Anaphylactic Reaction Essay
Anaphylactic Reaction
An anaphylactic reaction is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that involves the whole body. It can be life threatening, and usually requires hospitalization.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by being exposed to a substance that you are allergic to (an allergen). Your body releases chemicals in response to allergens, and those chemicals cause the anaphylactic reaction.
Common allergens include:
• Medicines.
• Foods, especially peanuts, wheat, shellfish, milk, and eggs.
• Insect bites or stings.
• Blood products.
• Chemicals, such as dyes, latex, and contrast material used for medical tests.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in people who have asthma or eczema, in addition …show more content…
• Keep an epinephrine injection or anaphylaxis kit near you at all times. This can be lifesaving if you have a severe anaphylactic reaction.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace stating your allergy. This may only be necessary if your allergy is very severe.
• Do not drive or return to your normal activities until your medicines have worn off, or until your health care provider says that you can do this.
• If you have a skin rash or hives, follow your health care provider’s instructions about how to relieve discomfort. Applying a cold compress and bathing in cool water, may help relieve discomfort from rashes or hives.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You develop symptoms of an allergic reaction to a new substance. You may notice symptoms right away or minutes after being exposed to a substance.
• You develop a rash, hives, or itching.
• You develop new symptoms.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have swelling of your mouth.
• You have difficulty breathing or wheezing.
• You have a tight feeling in your chest or
An anaphylactic reaction is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that involves the whole body. It can be life threatening, and usually requires hospitalization.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by being exposed to a substance that you are allergic to (an allergen). Your body releases chemicals in response to allergens, and those chemicals cause the anaphylactic reaction.
Common allergens include:
• Medicines.
• Foods, especially peanuts, wheat, shellfish, milk, and eggs.
• Insect bites or stings.
• Blood products.
• Chemicals, such as dyes, latex, and contrast material used for medical tests.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in people who have asthma or eczema, in addition …show more content…
• Keep an epinephrine injection or anaphylaxis kit near you at all times. This can be lifesaving if you have a severe anaphylactic reaction.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace stating your allergy. This may only be necessary if your allergy is very severe.
• Do not drive or return to your normal activities until your medicines have worn off, or until your health care provider says that you can do this.
• If you have a skin rash or hives, follow your health care provider’s instructions about how to relieve discomfort. Applying a cold compress and bathing in cool water, may help relieve discomfort from rashes or hives.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You develop symptoms of an allergic reaction to a new substance. You may notice symptoms right away or minutes after being exposed to a substance.
• You develop a rash, hives, or itching.
• You develop new symptoms.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have swelling of your mouth.
• You have difficulty breathing or wheezing.
• You have a tight feeling in your chest or