Anaphylaxis - An Introduction

What Anaphylaxis Is

I have been asked what anaphylaxis is one too many times. Before I had an anaphylaxis attack, I too did not know the term 'anaphylaxis'. I only knew that people could die from allergy, but never knew the 'how' of it. Until I experienced it myself. 


What is anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a fast moving hypersensitivity reaction that can either lead to death either by circulatory collapse (shock) or by obstruction of a person's airway. Click here for more information.The term comes from the Greek words ἀνά ana, against, and φύλαξις phylaxis, protection. (See here)


Many times people think anaphylaxis is a result of an allergy reaction. The thing is there are people who go through all sorts of blood tests and have results which are negative and yet experience anaphylaxis. I am one of those who fall in this category. People like me are categorized under the term idiopathic anaphylaxis. The term idiopathic is an adjective used primarily in medicine meaning arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause. From Greek ἴδιος, idios (one's own) + πάθος, pathos (suffering), it means approximately "a disease of its own kind". A doctor I once saw told me that today's medical technology is not advanced enough to find out what is wrong with people like me! Tests like these do not exist!


Signs & Symptoms of Anaphylaxis


Anaphylaxis can present itself in a wide range of symptoms. Anaphylaxis can happen within seconds or minutes or even hours later after exposure. It is important to know that anaphylaxis can happen anytime!

Below are some of the symptoms:


* Abdominal pain or cramps
* Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds (also known as stridor)
* Anxiety
* Confusion
* Cough
* Diarrhea
* Difficulty breathing
* Difficulty swallowing
* Fainting, light-headedness, dizziness
* Hives, itchiness
* Nasal congestion
* Nausea, vomiting
* Palpitations
* Skin redness
* Slurred speech
* Wheezing


Signs of anaphylaxis:


* Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
* Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
* Hives
* Low blood pressure
* Mental confusion
* Rapid pulse
* Skin that is blue from lack of oxygen or pale from shock
* Swelling of the eyes or face
* Weakness
* Wheezing


Causes of Anaphylaxis


Anything could cause anaphylaxis! It can occur as a response to almost any foreign substance. Common triggers include venom from insect bites or stings, foods and medication. Less common causes include: physical factors, biological agents such as semen, latex, hormonal changes, food additives such as monosodium glutamate and food colors, and topical medications. Physical factors such as exercise (known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis) or temperature (either hot or cold) may also act as triggers through their direct effects on mast cells. Exercise induced events are frequently associated with the ingestion of certain foods. During anesthesia, neuromuscular blocking agents, antibiotics, and latex are the most common causes.The cause remains unknown in 32-50% of cases, referred to as "idiopathic anaphylaxis". (see here)


Our Saviour


Adrenaline (epinephrine) seems to be the only emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. Carry yours with you wherever you go. I have my Epi-Pen with me all the time!