Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can affect bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and circulation. It can be life threatening and requires immediate treatment.
Sneezing, itchiness, and brain fog are all symptoms you might experience from time to time if you have allergies.
However, anaphylaxis is a much more serious type of allergic reaction. During anaphylactic shock, your immune system goes into overdrive, producing inflammatory chemicals to attack the allergen. This acute response affects many parts of your body.
Learn more about the symptoms that occur during anaphylaxis as well as the overall effects on your body.
Anaphylaxis isn’t the same as allergies, although allergies are the reason a severe reaction may start. You might have a food intolerance or experience a minor allergic reaction to something you encounter, but that’s not anaphylaxis.
Almost any substance — including certain foods, medications, and insect bites or stings — can be an allergen. It’s not always possible to pinpoint the cause of an allergic reaction. The first time you’re exposed to that substance, your immune system learns to recognize it as a foreign invader.
But if you experience anaphylaxis, your immune system has an exaggerated response when you’re exposed to the substance again. This response affects your whole body and may put your life in danger. Symptoms may start within seconds of the exposure and can progress quickly.
The first line of treatment is usually an epinephrine injection, which can help turn things around quickly. Once you’ve experienced anaphylaxis, you’re always at risk of experiencing it again, so you need to try to avoid potential allergens as much as possible.
Your doctor will likely prescribe epinephrine in the form of a prefilled auto-injector that you can carry with you. If you need to use it, you can inject the medication yourself or have someone else do it for you.
You should always go to the emergency room after using epinephrine. Even if your allergic reaction symptoms have cleared up, they can return up to 72 hours after the first dose of epinephrine.
Your immune system
But sometimes, when your body encounters that antigen again, your immune system overreacts, quickly releasing far too much histamine and other inflammatory chemicals into your system. This reaction leads to various symptoms throughout your body. It can quickly turn into a medical emergency.
Epinephrine (also called adrenaline) is a hormone that your body naturally produces. When you’re experiencing anaphylaxis, an extra dose of this hormone can help increase blood flow throughout your body and reverse your immune system’s aggressive response.
This is why your doctor will recommend epinephrine injections to treat anaphylaxis. The medication will stop the inflammation from spreading to other body systems.
Once inflammation affects your respiratory system, your bronchial tissues may start to swell, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. This inflammation can also cause pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in your lungs) and a cough.
You might make high-pitched or wheezing sounds when you breathe. A painful tightening sensation in your chest is common. Your voice may become hoarse, and you might not be able to swallow.
Respiratory distress is a life threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Without treatment, your breathing can stop entirely. You’re at an increased risk of experiencing respiratory distress if you have asthma.
One of the more obvious symptoms of anaphylaxis can be seen on your skin. However, skin symptoms don’t occur in every case of anaphylaxis.
Skin symptoms of anaphylaxis may start with itchiness, redness or other discoloration, or just a mild warming of your skin. If your skin symptoms progress, you might develop itchy hives that hurt when you touch them.
The actual color of your skin can also change. Redness is common if you have hives. If your respiratory system is in trouble, your skin might turn blue from lack of oxygen. If your skin becomes pale, it often means you’re going into shock.
During anaphylaxis, small blood vessels called capillaries start to leak blood into your tissues. This can cause a sudden and dramatic drop in blood pressure, a rapid or weak pulse, and heart palpitations.
When your major organs don’t get the blood and oxygen they need to function, your body goes into anaphylactic shock. This is a life threatening medical emergency. If left untreated, anaphylactic shock can lead to internal organ damage or even cause your heart to stop beating.
Digestive symptoms are possible during an anaphylactic reaction, especially if you have food allergies. They can occur with or without other symptoms of anaphylaxis. Possible digestive symptoms include:
- bloating
- cramps
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Even before the first physical symptoms occur, you might experience a weird feeling or a sense that something bad is about to happen. This may occur along with other symptoms, such as:
- a metallic taste in your mouth
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- a headache
- swelling of your eyes, lips, and tongue
- throat swelling, which may block your airways
- confusion, anxiety, and weakness
- slurred speech, a hoarse voice, and difficulty talking
As your body goes into shock, you can lose consciousness. This is why prompt treatment and medical attention are vital for preventing possible complications of anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that affects your whole body. You might experience symptoms related to your breathing, blood circulation, digestion, and other body functions. Anaphylaxis can be life threatening and requires immediate treatment.
If you have allergies that could lead to anaphylaxis, your doctor will likely recommend that you carry epinephrine at all times and inject a dose as soon as possible if you experience anaphylaxis symptoms. Depending on how your symptoms respond to the first dose, you might need to use another dose or go to the hospital.