Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction. It's a medical emergency.
Most people with allergies never have anaphylaxis. But when it happens, it works like this:
Within minutes or hours of being exposed to an allergy trigger, the body starts a chain reaction that widens the blood vessels, which can lower the blood pressure. The person may pass out. They may get hives and swelling, especially around the face and throat. They may have trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing.
An epinephrine injection is the first-line and the second line of therapy. It doesn't stop a reaction in its tracks, and it always needs to be followed by an ambulance trip to an emergency room with observation for 4 to 6 hours and follow up care.
The consequences of a severe allergic reaction are brain damage or death. When reactions don’t go as far as anaphylaxis, they’re still serious.
Symptoms can include:
* hives or rash
* itching
* flushed face or pale face
* swollen, sore, burning, or itchy lips, tongue, or roof of the mouth
* difficulty swallowing, drooling
* discolored lips
* tightness of the throat
* chest tightness
* difficulty breathing
* chest pain
* vomiting
* low blood pressure (very quiet, or fell asleep)
* dizziness
* headache
* unconsciousness