Today is anaphylaxis awareness day. Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction. Below are important anaphylaxis facts and information from FARE.
10 Facts About Anaphylaxis
1. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. Anaphylaxis should always be handled as a medical emergency.
2. During anaphylaxis, allergic symptoms can affect several areas of the body and may threaten breathing and blood circulation.
3. Food allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis, although several other allergens– insect stings, medications, or latex – are other potential triggers.
4. Although anyone who has a food allergy can experience anaphylaxis, the foods most likely to cause a severe reaction are peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.
5. People who have both asthma and a food allergy are at greater risk for anaphylaxis.
6. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a medication that can reverse the severe symptoms of anaphylaxis. It is available by prescription via an epinephrine auto-injector. If an anaphylactic reaction is occurring, give epinephrine immediately and call 911.
7. Use of antihistamines is the most common reason reported for not using epinephrine and may place an individual at significantly increased risk for progression toward a life-threatening reaction.
8. Epinephrine is considered a very safe medicine. There are currently three types of epinephrine auto-injectors available in the U.S.
9. You can still have a life-threatening reaction to your problem food, even if you have never had a serious reaction before. Past reactions do not predict future reactions!
10. Those at highest risk for food-induced fatal reactions are adolescents/young adults, individuals with asthma and individuals with known food allergies and a prior history of anaphylaxis.
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