Understanding Treatment of Anaphylaxis
Understanding Treatment of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is diagnosed on the basis of its signs and symptoms. A history of exposure to an allergen can also be helpful.
It is difficult to gauge an individual's potential for a severe allergic response before it occurs. However, those with a history of allergic reactions -- mild, moderate, or severe -- may be at greater risk of having a severe reaction in the future.
Find out more about anaphylaxis:
Basics
Symptoms
Diagnosis and Treatment
Prevention
Tests that are commonly used to assess allergic responses include skin-prick or scratch tests, intradermal skin tests and blood tests that can identify specific antibodies that indicate particular allergies. Skin-prick or scratch testing involves placing a small drop of allergen on the skin and scratching with it without breaking the skin surface. Intradermal, or percutaneous testing, involves placing small amounts of suspected allergens under the skin and watching for signs of a localized allergic reaction.
Epinephrine is the most effective immediate treatment for anaphylaxis. It rapidly reverses the uncomfortable flushing and itching as well as the more serious problems with breathing and dangerous drop in blood pressure that accompanies most anaphylactic reactions. More importantly, if given in time, epinephrine can reverse the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylactic shock. If you are allergic to insect stings or any of the foods that cause anaphylaxis, or if you ever have had an anaphylactic reaction, you should contact your physician about providing an epinephrine injection kit. (Epi-Pen is one common brand name.) You should carry two kits at all times and know how to use it. If you're at risk, make sure your family members, friends, and colleagues know the signs of anaphylaxis and how to give you an injection if needed. Do not hesitate to use the epinephrine auto-injector if you start showing any symptoms of anaphylaxis. Using the auto-injector as a precaution will not harm you.
If someone appears to be suffering from anaphylaxis, call for emergency help, even if the person has already been given an epinephrine injection. The person may require additional doses or other medical interventions. Anyone who has an anaphylactic reaction should be checked by medical personnel. After getting epinephrine, steroid drugs (such as prednisone or methylprednisolone) and antihistamines (given after epinephrine) can also help to calm the reaction and prevent the return of acute symptoms.
Understanding Anaphylaxis -- Diagnosis & Treatment
In this article
How Is Anaphylaxis Diagnosed?
Anaphylaxis is diagnosed on the basis of its signs and symptoms. A history of exposure to an allergen can also be helpful.
It is difficult to gauge an individual's potential for a severe allergic response before it occurs. However, those with a history of allergic reactions -- mild, moderate, or severe -- may be at greater risk of having a severe reaction in the future.
Understanding Anaphylaxis
Find out more about anaphylaxis:
Basics
Symptoms
Diagnosis and Treatment
Prevention
Tests that are commonly used to assess allergic responses include skin-prick or scratch tests, intradermal skin tests and blood tests that can identify specific antibodies that indicate particular allergies. Skin-prick or scratch testing involves placing a small drop of allergen on the skin and scratching with it without breaking the skin surface. Intradermal, or percutaneous testing, involves placing small amounts of suspected allergens under the skin and watching for signs of a localized allergic reaction.
What Are the Treatments for Anaphylaxis?
Epinephrine is the most effective immediate treatment for anaphylaxis. It rapidly reverses the uncomfortable flushing and itching as well as the more serious problems with breathing and dangerous drop in blood pressure that accompanies most anaphylactic reactions. More importantly, if given in time, epinephrine can reverse the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylactic shock. If you are allergic to insect stings or any of the foods that cause anaphylaxis, or if you ever have had an anaphylactic reaction, you should contact your physician about providing an epinephrine injection kit. (Epi-Pen is one common brand name.) You should carry two kits at all times and know how to use it. If you're at risk, make sure your family members, friends, and colleagues know the signs of anaphylaxis and how to give you an injection if needed. Do not hesitate to use the epinephrine auto-injector if you start showing any symptoms of anaphylaxis. Using the auto-injector as a precaution will not harm you.
If someone appears to be suffering from anaphylaxis, call for emergency help, even if the person has already been given an epinephrine injection. The person may require additional doses or other medical interventions. Anyone who has an anaphylactic reaction should be checked by medical personnel. After getting epinephrine, steroid drugs (such as prednisone or methylprednisolone) and antihistamines (given after epinephrine) can also help to calm the reaction and prevent the return of acute symptoms.
