Allergy Alert: Identify and Treat Anaphylaxis
Many people suffer from allergies to certain substances. Allergy attacks vary dramatically in symptoms and severity. As a sufferer becomes familiar with each of the symptoms they commonly experience, they may also develop the false impression that their allergies are under complete control, and do not pose a threat to their lives.
The various symptoms which accompany an allergy attack may include runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives or other rashes, and many other uncomfortable but not directly life-threatening symptoms. However, there is one type of allergy attack which can result in death very quickly. This type of attack is referred to as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis can be brought on by any of the substances which produce other symptoms of allergy, and may be accompanied by those same symptoms. However, it progresses to include more severe symptoms such as a drop in blood pressure, severe abdominal cramping, and disorientation. These symptoms can culminate in swelling of the throat and mouth, difficulty breathing, suffocation, and eventually, death, if not treated quickly and accurately.
An anaphylactic attack can happen in the space of only seconds or minutes. If the sufferer is prepared for such an attack with an epinephrine injection prescribed by the doctor, it must be administered immediately. If not, emergency services must be called. The sufferer should be positioned lying down, kept warm, and should not move unnecessarily, until emergency personnel arrive.
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