The Basics of Anaphylaxis

What Is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction. It's a medical emergency.

Most people with allergies never experience anaphylaxis. But when it happens, it works like this:

Within minutes or hours of being exposed to your allergy trigger, your body starts a chain reaction that temporarily widens your blood vessels, which can lower your blood pressure. You may pass out. You may get hives and swelling, especially around your face and throat. You may have trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing.

What Causes Anaphylaxis?

The most common causes of anaphylaxis are:

• Foods, including peanuts and tree nuts (particularly almond, walnut, hazelnut, Brazil, and cashew nuts)
• Shellfish, especially shrimp and lobster
• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Insect stings, such as those from wasps, bees, ants
• Latex
• Medications

In some cases, anaphylaxis can also be caused by exercise, usually after eating certain foods that trigger your allergy.

visit www.pinksteps.com