Anaphylaxis is a servere reaction that occurs when a person comes in contact to an allergy causing substance. When the allergen enters the bloodstream the body releases chemicals to protect itself. These chemicals can cause certain symptoms such as breathing difficulty, swelling, shock, dizziness and even death.

Anaphylaxis is a serious medical emergency. Death can occur within minutes, so it requires immediate attention. Millions of people are known to have allergies to medications, these medications include antibiotics, asprin, muscle relaxants, seizure medications, and many others. Fire ants, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and bee stings are also big affenders, as well as latex products. Some people have allergies to certain foods including peanuts, other tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk.

Your doctor can perform tests to determine what substances you are allergic to. The tests may indicate how severe an allery is. There aren’t any test for anaphylaxis. However, you might be experiencing anaphylaxis if you have any of the following symptoms: Nausea or vomiting Headache Swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue Itchy skin (Hives) shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing

Usually symptoms apppear within a few seconds up to two hours after the exposure to the allergen. If you think you are at risk for anaphylaxis you should talk to your doctor. He will probably discuss with you the possibilities of carrying an epinephrine injection. Epinephrine acts almost immediately. It relaxes the lung muscles so that you can breath easier. It also stimulates the heart and reverses the swelling. The sooner anaphylaxis is treated the greater likelihood of survival.