Anaphylaxis, Is it Life Threatening
pronounced (an-uh-fil-lax-is)
Life – Threatening? Absolutely! It is an acute allergic reaction. Requires medical diagnosis. Symptoms can affect the whole body or several areas at the same time. It is essential to look for the following signs.
- Blood Pressure changes
- Effects Respiratory ~ breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, air passageways
- Heart Rate ~ erratic or racing pulse rate
- Mental confusion ~ loss of consciousness and fainting
- Blood Circulation ~ numbness of hands and feet and face
- Gastrointestinal ~ vomiting, diarrhea, cramping
- Skin changes – hives or rash
What is Biphasic Anaphylaxis
A recurrence of anaphylaxis symptoms within 72 hours of the original episode without re-exposure to the initial trigger. They are unpredictable. This can occur in patients with a history of anaphylaxis reactions. Some people have an additional occurrence of Anaphylaxis within a couple of hours or even days after their original symptoms are no longer detectable. That is because the allergen must no longer exist in your body in order to be safe from additional attacks.
What types of medicines can trigger drug-induced anaphylaxis in some people
It is always best to discuss your medication with a doctor. Always read the printout that comes with the medication to see the side effects. Your pharmacist keeps records of medication allergies and that helps them to suggest an alternative and get clearance from the doctor.
- Antibiotics ~ penicillin-like antibiotics
- General anesthetic
- muscle relaxers used during surgery
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs, ibuprofen, and aspirin
- Beta-lactam antibiotics – some medications mixed with amoxicillin like clavulanic acid and Cephalosporins
- Non-beta lactam antibiotics like moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin
