Anaphylaxis is an extremely serious and often deadly allergic reaction, which can occur as a result of exposure to any of the following: foods, insect stings, latex, medications, and exercise. Yes, similar to asthma symptoms exercise induced anaphylaxis can and does occur in a small portion of the population.
People who suffer from severe reactions need to arm themselves with Benadryl Elixir (liquid) as it enters the system faster than tablets. If the liquid is inconvenient make sure you are carrying tablets. Ensure you have an epi-pen (or more than one if your past reactions have required more than one dose of epi). Those who also suffer from asthma should carry their reliever medication (e.g.: Ventolin) at all times.
IMPORTANT always ensure your medications have not expired. Replace them immediately.
If you have severe allergies it is highly advisable to wear a medical alert bracelet, watch or pendant at all times.
Progression of Allergies
When allergies start they most typically are mild, however this is not the case for all allergy sufferers. An individual can suffer from a near fatal or fatal reaction at the first exposure to an allergen.
The most common symptoms of allergies attacks include, but are not limited to: stomach upset, hives, rash, or a stuffy nose that is accompanied by red and itchy eyes. With each exposure to the allergen there is an increased risk that the body's immune system will overreact and cause an inflated reaction to occur. This is why some people may start with a small rash at first exposure, hives at a second exposure, facial swelling (around the eyes) with a subsequent exposure, finally may find themselves experiencing trouble breathing or feeling like their throat is closing.
Just to be clear, not every allergy sufferer will progress to the anaphylactic stage, but it is important for these individuals to consult a medical professional if they find the reactions are getting more severe.
What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis affects several different systems in the body. Individuals may experience any of the following symptoms: rash, hives or itchiness; reddening of the face; inability to breath, coughing, sneezing; tingling or burning in mouth, lips, and/or tongue, stomach cramps, vomiting; feeling of weakness or feeling like they might fall down; and being fidgety or feeling upset.
Some individuals will experience a rapid onset of symptoms while others will have a delayed response. If left untreated, the individual could fall into a comma and eventually die.
Common Food Triggers
The two most common food triggers are nuts and shellfish however the list of offending foods is substantially bigger than this.
Peanuts are a part of the legume family and so it follows that not everyone who is allergic to peanuts is allergic to tree nuts, which include but are not limited to cashews, walnuts, and almonds.
Shellfish including lobster, crab, oysters, scallops and clams are more frequent offenders than other seafood.
Milk products and egg are also known to trigger this severe allergic reaction in some individuals.
Usually it is protein-based items to which individuals develop this strong allergic reaction.
Protecting oneself and loved-ones
It is not enough to avoid eating foods that cause reactions, people need to be made aware that for some sufferers being in the same room as the substance can cause a serious reaction.
As a sufferer I have crusaded at each place of employment to warn individuals of the importance of washing their hands well after eating nut products or shellfish; of not heating foods that contain nut products of seafood; and of ensuring all food is properly checked before eating it.
Those who suffer from anaphylaxis should be very careful when eating in restaurants and at other people's homes. There is a risk of cross-contamination wherein an oil or protein residue may be on a surface used to prepare other foods. People have eaten foods that have no nuts or shellfish only to end up with a reaction because the food had been in contact with other items that contained the allergen.
Read food labels every time you decide to eat or feed something to someone with an allergy. In Canada it is mandated by law that nut warnings must be included on labels to forewarn people of the potential danger. Since many chocolate bars are imported (e.g.: Peanut Butter Kit Kat) it is vital that you read the label to ensure there is no warning.
I use the better safe than sorry rule if it doesn't say nut free then I won't buy it or eat it!