Anaphylaxis can be frightening, but being prepared will help you feel empowered to prevent a dangerous allergic reaction. Do you know all the facts?
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1- [Narrator] About 1 in50 Americans are at risk
of experiencing anaphylaxis,
a serious and life-threateningallergic reaction.
Because anaphylaxis is so frightening
there's a lot ofmisinformation floating around.
Make sure you know thefacts about anaphylaxis
so you can spring intoaction in an emergency.
Myth: Anaphylaxis can onlyhappen with food allergies.
It's true, people can haveanaphylactic reactions to food
but insect bites orstings, medication, latex,
and, less commonly,
exercise, can also inducean allergy emergency.
Myth: Anaphylaxis symptomsshow up right away.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually start
within 5 to 30 minutes aftercontact with an allergen.
Possible symptoms include itching, hives,
difficulty swallowing,swollen lips and tongue,
trouble breathing, vomiting,dizziness, or fainting.
Myth: If someone's havingan anaphylactic reaction,
it's safer to give themantihistamines before reaching
for the epinephrine.
Antihistamines won't workas quickly as epinephrine
and there's no proof they caneffectively treat anaphylaxis.
Always treat anaphylaxisimmediately with epinephrine
and call 911.
Myth: You don't need a specialistto treat severe allergies.
Your GP may not know the nuances
of treating severe allergies.
Allergists are speciallytrained to diagnose allergies
and help people treat andprevent allergic reactions.
By using Healthgrades'Guided Physician Search
it's easy to find an allergistwho's the best fit for you.
Myth: Allergies candisappear as we get older.
Children do not outgrow severe allergies.
And actually more adults thanchildren die from anaphylaxis
in the U.S. each year.
Myth: After receivinga dose of epinephrine,
you can get right backto what you're doing.
When someone is experienceanaphylaxis, it's important
to immediately injectepinephrine and then call 911.
Epinephrine is short-actingand a medical team
can provide care in an ambulance
on the way to the emergency room.
More epinephrine and moretreatment may be needed.
Find the right doctor
to care for yourallergies at Healthgrades.
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS Review Date:11-06-2015
