Logo
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Anaphylaxis: All I Need to Know

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening severe allergic reaction that can occur very rapidly and if not reversed on time can lead to fatality.
Consult Us Now!

What are the Common Causes of Anaphylaxis?

  • Food: Any food. Common ones include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, fish.
  • Medication
  • Insect bites
  • Latex: rubber gloves, condoms

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis are important. This can be life-saving. Involvement in any of the 2 systems of the body should lead to prompt immediate treatment with epinephrine.

Lady suffering from Anaphylaxis

What are the Treatments for Anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine

  • Epinephrine or Adrenaline is the only medication that reverses severe anaphylaxis. 
  • It is usually prescribed and comes in ‘pen’ form known as Epipen. You are usually provided with guidance on when, where, and how to use the EpiPen when a severe allergic reaction occurs. Speak to your doctor to enquiry further.
  • The effect of epinephrine can wane off after 15 to 20 minutes. Repeated doses of epinephrine may be required if there is an inadequate response with the previous dose, or symptoms recur after 15 min of the previous dose.
  • After delivering epinephrine, the casualty needs to be brought to the emergency department as soon as possible for monitoring of further late second phase anaphylaxis. Late phase anaphylaxis can occur up to 20% of acute anaphylaxis.

Antihistamines

  • Antihistamines are used to alleviate skin symptoms and the sensation of itch. It should not be used as a substitute for epinephrine. This is because antihistamines do not reverse any cardiovascular or respiratory compromised symptoms.

Steroids

  • Steroids are often prescribed to avoid the late phase anaphylaxis reaction that tends to occur several hours after the initial allergic reaction. However, steroids do not reverse acute symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Asthma Inhalers

  • Asthma inhalers may be helpful in asthma, wheezing symptoms. However, it should not be substituted as epinephrine in treating acute anaphylaxis.

How can I Prepare and Prevent Anaphylaxis?

Prevention is always better than cure

  • One should be aware of the specific allergens if there was a history of anaphylaxis and avoid the culprit allergens by all means.
  • The home environment should be constructed in a conducive, allergen-free environment if possible.
  • Ensure you read through the ingredients labels of either food or medications prior to consumption.
  • Use latex-free gloves.
  • Have a written strategy plan and rehearse the plan over again for initiation for treatment if anaphylaxis occurs at home.

Prepare and Be Ready

  • Store your anaphylaxis medication in a location that is easily accessible.
  • Medications should be kept in room temperature as the extreme temperature will affect the effectiveness of the medications.
  • Replace Epipen if it has expired.

Recognize and Act on Anaphylaxis Promptly

  • Identify the clinical symptoms of anaphylaxis.
  • Administer the auto-injectable Epipen and other medications. 
  • Call 995, inform people around you for assistance.
  • Go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Remember, anaphylaxis is completely reversible if managed promptly. However, any delay in anaphylaxis can be lethal.

Take care, stay safe.

Related Articles

Understanding an Egg Allergy

In Singapore, egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies seen in young infants and children, together with cow’s milk allergy.

Continue Reading →
February 2, 2024

Something Bed-Bugging You?

In this article, we delve into bedbug bite symptoms, ways to manage these symptoms, and possible differentials besides diagnosing bedbug bites.

Continue Reading →
January 17, 2024

Do ‘hypoallergenic pets’ really exist?

Pets are man’s best friend. What if you have allergies and have always wanted a cat or a dog?

Continue Reading →
December 4, 2023

Hand Eczema and Food Allergies

Pompholyx is a type of eczema, also known as dyshidrotic eczema. It is a type of skin condition that affects the hands and feet.

Continue Reading →
November 28, 2023

Related Services

Food Allergy

Your body’s immune system is naturally wired to fend off infections and pathogens to keep you healthy.

Pet allergy

A pet allergy refers to a reaction that you have toward your pet’s skin, dander, saliva, or urine. On most occasions, it is the dead skin cells that cause the pet allergy.

Dust Mite Allergy

A dust mite allergy refers to an allergic reaction to dust-mite wastes. The waste of dust mites and our bodies can trigger allergic reactions.

Allergy Treatment

While allergy treatment medications are available and can be effective to a certain degree, they don’t cure people of allergies.

Allergy Testing

Allergies can occur to anyone, anytime. Allergies can affect our daily activities and reduce our quality of lives.

magnifiercross