asthma and allergy center
Anaphylaxis Symptoms & Diagnosis
Symptoms
Symptoms of anaphylaxis typically start within 5 to 30 minutes of coming into contact with the allergen to which you are allergic. In some cases it may take more than an hour for you to notice anaphylactic symptoms.
Warning signs typically affect more than one part of the body and may include:
Red rash, with hives/welts, that is usually itchy (It is possible to have a severe allergic reaction without skin symptoms.)
Swollen throat or swollen areas of the body (It is possible to have a severe allergic wellbutrin tablet reaction without skin symptoms.)
Wheezing
Passing out
Chest tightness
Trouble breathing, cough
Hoarse voice
Trouble swallowing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramping
Pale or red color to the face and body
Feeling of impending doom
Diagnosis
To diagnose your risk of anaphylaxis or to determine whether previous symptoms were anaphylaxis-related, your allergist / immunologist will conduct a thorough investigation of all potential causes. Your allergist will ask for specific details regarding all past allergic reactions.
The best ways to manage your condition are:
Avoid allergens that trigger your allergic reactions
Be prepared for an emergency
If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, carry epinephrine autoinjectors (adrenaline). They contain a prescribed single dose of medication that is injected into the thigh during an anaphylactic emergency.
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about how to use the epinephrine autoinjector. It is important for you, family members and others in close contact with you or your child to know how to use the epinephrine autoinjector.
Complete an Anaphylaxis Action Plan and keep on file at work, school, camp or other places where others may need to recognize your symptoms and provide treatment.
Important Reminder
If you think you are having an anaphylactic reaction, use your epinephrine autoinjector and call 911 immediately so you can be transported to the nearest emergency department for evaluation, monitoring and any further treatement by healthcare professionals. Your life depends on this. Don’t take an antihistamine or wait to see if symptoms get better.
Adverse reactions to medications are common, yet everyone responds differently. One person may develop a rash or other reactions when taking a certain medication, while another person on the same drug may have no adverse reaction at all.
Only about 5% to 10% of these reactions are due to an allergy to the medication.
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, in this case a medication, which triggers an allergic reaction. Sensitivities to drugs may produce similar symptoms, but do not involve the immune system.
Certain medications are more likely to produce allergic reactions than others. The most common are:
• Antibiotics, such as penicillin
• Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen
• Anticonvulsants
• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• Chemotherapy
The chances of developing an allergy are higher when you take the medication frequently or when it is rubbed on the skin or given by injection, rather than taken by mouth.
Symptoms
Adverse reactions to medications range from vomiting and hair loss with cancer chemotherapy to upset stomach from aspirin or diarrhea from antibiotics. If you take ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors for high blood pressure, you may develop a cough or facial and tongue swelling.
In many cases, it can be difficult to determine if the reaction is due to the medication or something else. This is because your symptoms may be similar to other conditions.
The most frequent types of allergic symptoms to medications are:
• Skin rashes, particularly hives
• Itching
• Respiratory problems
• Swelling, such as in the face
Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious allergic response that often involves swelling, hives, lowered blood pressure, and in severe cases, shock. If anaphylactic shock isn't treated immediately, it can be fatal.
A major difference between anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions is that anaphylaxis typically seroquel cost involves more than one system of the body.
Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention because the result can be fatal.
If you think you might be allergic to a medication prescribed by your doctor, call your physician before altering or stopping the dosage.