WHAT IS ANAPHYLAXIS

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds of one’s exposure to something you're allergic to such as peanuts or an insect sting. It causes your immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — your blood pressure may drop suddenly, airways narrow down and breathing gets blocked. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHYLAXIS

1.  rapid or weak pulse

2. skin rashes, hives and itching. Flushed or pale skin

3. nausea and vomiting

4. wheezing or trouble breathing

5. dizziness or fainting, etc

Causes 

1. Some people's immune systems overreact to substances that don't generally cause an allergic reaction

2. The most prevalent anaphylaxis triggers are  food allergies, certain medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and the intravenous (IV) contrast used in few imaging tests

3. Stings - bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, fire ants etc

4. Some people develop anaphylaxis from aerobic exercises or even less intense physical activity such as walking

5. People with allergies or asthma are prone cases

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT 

Diagnosis : To know what triggers your allergy attack, certain laboratory tests can help. While in some cases, the cause of anaphylaxis is never identified and they are termed idiopathic anaphylaxis.

Treatment 

1. An injection of epinephrine and a follow-up trip to an emergency room is vital. If anaphylaxis isn't treated right away, it can turn to be fatal. In these circumstances, don't wait to see if the symptoms go away at their own

2. Both the diagnosis and its long-term management is complicated, so you'll probably need to see a doctor with specialization in allergies and immunology in its due course of time

3. If you're allergic to stinging insects, use caution around them

4. If you are allergic to food, read the labels of all the foods carefully that you buy and eat

5. When eating out, ask how each dish is prepared, and its ingredients