Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The symptoms of Anaphylaxis begin within seconds of exposure to the presumed allergen. During anaphylaxis, the immune system of the body releases series of chemicals which causes the body to go into a shock endangering the life of the patient. The respirations and blood pressure starts to spiral downwards. The airways get constricted making breathing difficult. Thus an anaphylactic reaction is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment with either adrenaline or epinephrine.
Peanuts and bee stings like wasps are the most common allergens which cause Anaphylaxis. There are also certain medications which have a side effect profile of causing an anaphylactic reaction if the patient is prone to allergies.
There are also certain foods that can cause an anaphylactic reaction. Latex is yet another common trigger for Anaphylaxis both in children and adults. Both children and adults can be affected by Anaphylaxis but children are more susceptible to this condition as their immune system is still in the developing stage. Most common triggers of Anaphylaxis in children are fish, shellfish, and milk.
Is Anaphylaxis Curable?
There is no cure for Anaphylaxis. The condition however can be prevented and the symptoms controlled with timely treatment. Since anaphylaxis is extremely serious, the affected individual should be taken immediately to the nearest emergency room especially if there is difficulty breathing or the patient is unconscious.
If any individual has a history of allergies then it is highly recommended that they avoid exposure to any allergen. For example in seasons when the pollen count is high it is better to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid exposure. There are also medications available for preventing allergy symptoms which can also be used at the discretion of the healthcare provider.
The individual can also go for allergy shots if required to prevent an allergic reaction such as Anaphylaxis. These medications do not cure Anaphylaxis but will bring down the severity of the symptoms significantly. In cases of children, there are cases where they outgrow their allergies, especially those related to common foods like fish or milk.
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