Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It’s estimated that up to 2% of the general population has a history of anaphylaxis; however, it is often under diagnosed or misdiagnosed. This condition can be triggered by eating a specific food, being stung by a bee or wasp, coming into contact with certain drugs or chemicals, or even exercising too much. The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary greatly depending on the trigger and the individual, but there are some general signs and symptoms that all people with this condition experience at some point. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include hives, swelling of the face and mouth, itching, difficulty breathing, weakness, and anxiety.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and potentially fatal. It’s estimated that up to 2% of the general population has a history of anaphylaxis, but it can be diagnosed in fewer than 0.5% of the population. This condition can be triggered by eating a specific food, being stung by a bee or wasp, coming into contact with certain drugs or chemicals, or even exercising too much. Anaphylaxis is a type of reaction that occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a substance as foreign, resulting in an allergic response. The allergic response is typically due to an overproduction of histamines, a compound in our body that causes a variety of allergic reactions.

What is the difference between anaphylaxis and an allergic reaction?

Anaphylaxis is when a person’s body releases too many histamines due to an allergic reaction. This can cause a severe allergic reaction, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually develop more quickly than an allergic reaction, and the reactions are often more severe. An allergic reaction can be mild, while anaphylaxis can be severe and life-threatening. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology notes that it’s important to note that even though anaphylaxis and allergic reactions are both allergic responses, they are two distinct conditions.

How do you know if you have anaphylaxis?

There are several methods that can be used to diagnose anaphylaxis. The most common methods include measuring the amount of histamines in your blood, skin testing, and oral challenges. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology recommends against self-infusion of foods as a diagnostic test, as it can be very dangerous. Histamine levels can be tested in blood, skin or urine. Anaphylaxis is often treated with an injection or drip of an antihistamine medication, as well as a quick injection of adrenaline into the bloodstream.Adrenaline is a medication that is used to treat anaphylaxis, and should never be self-administered. It is a very serious medication that can be fatal if used inappropriately.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

- Difficulty breathing- Itching- Swelling of the face and mouth- Puffiness of the face- Swelling of the throat- Burning of the skin- Redness of the skin- Dizziness- Nausea- Vomiting- Loss of consciousness- Shaking- Loss of feeling in the hands and feet- Loss of feeling in the fingers and toes- Loss of feeling in the arms and legs- Loss of feeling in the torso- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling in the whole body- Loss of feeling