- Tightness in the throat or a feeling of the airway closing
- Wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Dizziness, fainting, or a sudden drop in blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat or confusion
These symptoms can escalate within minutes. Without prompt treatment, the body may go into shock.
4. What Causes This Reaction?
Anaphylaxis is usually triggered by an allergen. Common causes include:
- Certain foods (such as peanuts, shellfish, or eggs)
- Insect stings (like bees or wasps)
- Medications (including antibiotics or pain relievers)
- Latex exposure
In some cases, people may not even realize they are allergic until a severe reaction occurs.
5. What You Should Do Immediately
If you or someone nearby shows signs of anaphylaxis:
- Call emergency services right away
- Use an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen) if available
- Help the person lie down and keep their airway clear
- Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment and can be life-saving when used quickly.
6. Prevention and Awareness
If you have known allergies: