/> If you have had a previous and severe anaphylactic reaction, make sure you use the Adrenaline Injector (Epipen or Anapen) straight away with any future reactions – as any delay puts you at far greater risk for collapse and death. Although many people carry an Epipen or Anapen, the most common cause of death is failure to use it! There are two types of injector, one for children and another for adults. The injector is easy to use and is activated by pressing firmly over the front of the thigh muscle. Your doctor should issue you with a “trainer” Epipen to practice self-administration.

If you have always experienced milder attacks with minimal or no breathing difficulties we usually recommend that you immediately take antihistamine medication and monitor the situation for a few minutes before giving adrenaline. Milder symptoms then usually resolve over the next half hour. Always make sure you have someone with you who knows about your condition and who can seek further help if necessary.

Make sure that you do not over exert yourself, have a hot bath or get hot, rather remain cool, as increasing the circulation can lead to more severe and rapid allergic reactions. Concomitant asthma is an additional risk factor for food anaphylaxis.

All people who have had anaphylaxis should go to the local hospital Emergency Unit for further observation. This is because when the adrenaline wears off they may need further treatment, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids and occasionally oxygen and intravenous fluid therapy. We would also recommend that you go to your local hospital and introduce yourself to the medical team so that they are aware of your anaphylactic tendency. There is a risk of developing a delayed or biphasic reaction 8 to 12 hours after the initial reaction and you should remain in the Emergency Unit for at least 4 hours for observation.

Patients with Idiopathic Anaphylaxis may need to stay on low-dose oral cortisone for prolonged periods of time to prevent further attacks.

When referred to an allergy clinic, the specialist will take an extensive “allergy history” to try and clearly identify the cause of the anaphylaxis. They will then perform allergy tests on a blood sample using the updated RAST test called a CapRAST. This test measures specific IgE antibodies in the patient’s blood to the suspected allergens. Skin testing is not recommended for diagnosing anaphylaxis as these tests run the risk of triggering an allergic reaction. Blood RAST tests are completely safe and the recommended method of testing for the cause of anaphylaxis. In some situations, patients may have what looks appears to be an anaphylactic reaction - which is in fact a fainting spell or sudden drop in blood pressure. In this situation, we recommend a blood test which measures Mast Cell Tryptase a protein released in the body during anaphylaxis. This is measured in the blood up to 12 hours after the reaction and can confirm that anaphylaxis has indeed occurred. We can also measure Methyl Histamine in the urine as a marker of anaphylaxis having taken place.

First aid measures

Emergency care for someone with suspected anaphylaxis

How can we prevent anaphylaxis?

If you have ever had an anaphylactic reaction, you must be referred to an Allergy Clinic for full assessment so as to identify the cause of the reaction.
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.allergy-clinic.co.uk)




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