What Causes Anaphylaxis?

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Anaphylaxis is a life threatening and serious allergic reaction. The most common anaphylactic reactions are to medications, stings of insects and foods. In cases where a person is allergic to a substance the immune system releases chemicals causing allergy symptoms and thus over reacts to that particular allergen. Some people are more susceptible to an anaphylactic reaction that may be much more serious. More than one part of the body is affected at the same time typically with this reaction.

Within 5-30 minutes of coming in contact with the allergen, the symptoms of anaphylaxis disease may start typically. In some cases anaphylactic symptoms may be experienced more than an hour later. More than one part of the body may be affected and include a feeling of impending doom, itchy red rash with welts or hives, swollen body areas, swollen throat, red or pale colour on the face and body, cramping in the stomach, wheezing, hoarse voice, diarrhea, tightness in the chest, trouble in swallowing, trouble in coughing and breathing.

A CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is needed during an anaphylactic attack. Medical treatment is immediately required including an epinephrine injection, promptly. A trip may be needed to the emergency room of a hospital. Anaphylaxis could turn out to be fatal, it proper treatment is not administered. If there is a family history of anaphylaxis or if the person suffers from asthma or allergies, the risk of getting anaphylaxis is always more. Risk of another anaphylactic reaction could increase if the person has already experienced an anaphylaxis attack.

Allergies have to be successfully managed and diagnosis has to be accurately done. The patient is referred to an immunologist or allergist with right experience and specialized training to conduct the diagnosis. Besides that the allergist or immunologist develops a plan for future protection.

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Diagnosis of Anaphylaxis by the immunologist or the allergist includes checking out specific details related to allergic reactions in the past and conducting a thorough investigation. Avoiding any allergens that could trigger allergic reactions is the best way of managing the condition. Also it is always better to be ready for any kind of emergency. To reduce the allergic response to the body, medications like an adrenaline called Epinephrine might be given.

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