Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic condition that can be fatal if not treated on time. It can be triggered by specific foods, latex, particular treatment options, or even insect bites. If you are allergic to any substance and come in contact with it, the immune system releases chemicals, which lead to various symptoms. Anaphylaxis is among the more severe symptoms that require immediate attention. Let us look at this condition’s signs, diagnosis, and management options.

Warning signs
The symptoms are usually visible within the first five to 30 minutes of coming in contact with the allergen; however, it can take up to an hour in some cases. The signs may affect more than one part of the body simultaneously. These include vomiting, a hoarse voice, stomach cramping, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, diarrhea, fainting, and a feeling of impending doom. Some notice a red rash followed by itchy hives or welts. A swollen throat or swelling in different body areas is also common.

Anaphylaxis may not always trigger skin symptoms, so one must remember all the signs. Kids, in particular, might not be able to communicate the symptoms to an adult, so parents must be prepared and get immediate help from a health professional.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves speaking to a health professional, mainly an allergist or an immunologist, who understands the possible triggers in the environment. They first inquire about the patient’s past allergic reactions and their causes. A thorough investigation usually follows. The doctor might recommend an allergy test to determine the cause of the reaction. Was it food, an insect bite, latex, or a side effect of ongoing treatment? They provide a detailed report accordingly.

Treatment and management
Doctors and healthcare experts ask patients to have an anaphylaxis action plan handy at work, school, or other places they visit frequently. Those susceptible to this condition are also requested to carry a file or emergency document with their details, including their name, allergies, health complications apart from anaphylaxis, and concurrent treatments. The document also lists the symptoms one might exhibit during an episode and what others can do to help the patient in case of an emergency.

An anaphylaxis action plan mainly has three steps. First, an emergency treatment needs to be administered directly into the patient’s thigh using an auto-injector to reverse the effects of anaphylaxis. Next, a health emergency rescue squad must be called to the location. And finally, the patient’s emergency contacts (available in the patient’s file) must be informed about the situation.

A doctor generally signs the emergency document and mentions special instructions or comments if required. It might also have the doctor’s phone number. If the patient is under 18, a parent’s signature is needed. One must speak with a healthcare provider to learn how to use the auto-injector correctly.

Foods to avoid
Some foods are known to trigger allergies in people, including anaphylaxis as a reaction. So, it is best to avoid these foods as much as possible. A few examples include:

Peanuts
Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies. Peanuts cause common reactions like hives and rashes, but they can sometimes trigger anaphylaxis.

Seafood
Some seafood varieties, like shellfish, have a protein called tropomyosin, which can lead to an allergic reaction in some people. One should also be cautious when including scallops, lobsters, crayfish, prawns, and shrimp in the meals.

Wheat
It is understood that one of the proteins found in wheat causes an allergic reaction. This is usually the case in kids below ten years; however, children outgrow this allergy with time and can continue including wheat-based foods in their meals. The symptoms include rashes and swelling. The best way to manage wheat allergy is to avoid adding this ingredient to meals.

Milk
Cow milk causes an allergic reaction in many young children and babies. There is no treatment for it, so eliminating cow milk from the nutrition plan is the only option. Patients must also avoid other milk products to prevent side effects.

Eggs
This is another allergy that usually occurs as early as infancy. However, with age and time, most people outgrow the problem and can digest eggs with ease later on. Individuals with egg allergy experience skin inflammation, digestion issues, and symptoms similar to those mentioned above.

One must speak to a health professional about getting allergy tests to avoid any side effects from foods or other allergens. Those prone to reactions due to specific substances must always keep their family and friends informed of the same.