Anaphylaxis: What Is It and How Is It Treated?
Some people experience very severe allergic reactions that can cause them to seek 24-hour emergency care. Whenever you have a severe allergic reaction that is life-threatening, the condition is referred to as anaphylaxis.
In most cases, it occurs due to a severe response to
food, medication, or even venom. However, if you don’t seek immediate help from
our ER near Waxahachie, the situation can escalate in minutes, and you might
lose your life.
What Causes an Anaphylaxis Allergic Reaction?
In a nutshell, anaphylaxis occurs due to allergies. However, not everyone who has allergies can experience anaphylaxis. For most people, a severe allergic reaction can be caused by the following:
- Pollen
- Food
- Mold
- Latex
- Dander from pets
- Dust mites
- Insect bites
The above list may seem harmless to some people, but
for some, a little exposure may land them in the ER for allergic reaction
treatment.
Why Do Anaphylaxis Allergic Reactions Happen?
Your body has a mechanism that protects you from
harmful substances that you are exposed to each day. So, it produces antibodies
as its first line of defense. In most scenarios, your body never reacts when
the antibodies are released. But, at times, the immune system overreacts and
causes a full-body reaction.
How Long Does an Allergic Reaction Last?
How long an allergic reaction lasts varies from
person to person. It may take a few hours and others a few days to disappear.
If there is prolonged exposure to the allergen, the allergic reaction will last
for weeks or months.
What Does the ER Do for Anaphylaxis?
Whenever you seek emergency room treatment for
anaphylaxis, our doctor will give you adrenaline or epinephrine. This reduces
the effects of the reaction. Also, you may receive cortisone, oxygen, and
antihistamines as part of the anaphylaxis emergency care plan.
How to Prevent Anaphylaxis
An excellent way to prevent anaphylaxis is to avoid
the allergen that causes the reaction. Also, you may need to carry an
epinephrine injector to deal with the allergic reaction when it occurs.