About this topic
Anaphylaxis is a very bad response to something you are allergic to. It might be a chemical, drug, insect sting, or food. You may start to wheeze or cough. Your lips, tongue, or throat may swell. This may cause problems breathing or block your ability to breathe. You may have a sudden drop in blood pressure. If your blood pressure drops, less oxygen goes to your brain and other parts of your body. This is called shock and must be treated right away. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You should heal fully from the attack. You can return to your normal activities shortly.
- Read food and drug labels with care to make sure you are not allergic to the contents.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet which says that you have had anaphylaxis. It should also say what you are allergic to.
- Have someone stay with you for 24 hours after an attack.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may need skin testing to find out what you are allergic to.
- Ask your doctor if you need care to lower your sensitivity to the allergy.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help you in an emergency. This is a single dose of a drug called epinephrine.
- Help with allergies
- Lower swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities will not be limited. If you have an insect allergy, be careful going to places where there are insects that you are allergic to. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
If you have a food allergy: ‚
- Always ask about the ingredients when eating foods made by other people.
- Tell the dining staff of your allergies. They can take extra care in making your food.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Changes in your life are based on the cause of the allergy. ‚
- If you are allergic to insect stings, wear protective clothing and insect repellent.
- Stay away from the things you know you are allergic to.
- Always have your drugs for your allergy with you.
- Be ready for an emergency. Know how to handle your allergy.
- Teach family members and others how to give the epinephrine to you.
- Tell all your doctors what you are allergic to.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- You know you have come in contact with the cause of your allergy. Give yourself the epinephrine and go to the ER right away. Do not wait to see if you get worse.
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Hoarse voice
- Very upset stomach or throwing up
- Crampy belly pain
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you ways to help avoid another attack.
- I can tell you how and when I will use my epinephrine.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have wheezing, chest tightness, itching, or swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or face.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/anaphylaxis.aspx ‚
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network ‚
http://www.foodallergy.org/section/allergens ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/707/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚