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Anaphylaxis is an allergic emergency. It is a rapid, severe allergic reaction that occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen (an allergy-causing substance). When the allergen enters the bloodstream the body releases chemicals to "protect" itself from the allergen. These chemicals can causes dangerous symptoms, including breathing difficulty, swelling, dizziness, shock and even death.

What Causes Anaphylaxis ?

Anaphylaxis is most commonly triggered by:

*Bee , wasp, hornet, yellow jacket and fire ant stings

* Foods, including shellfish, peanuts and other nuts, milk eggs, fish and some food additives

* Medications, including antibiotics (penicillin), seizure medications, muscle relaxants, aspirin and others

* Latex, found in elastic waistbands, kitchen cleaning gloves, balloons and other household items (also some bandaids)

How Do I Know If I'm Experiencing Anaphylaxis?

Initial Symptoms may appear within a few seconds, or up to 2 hours after exposure. They include:

* Itchy skin, hives

* Swelling or flushing of the lips, throat, tongue

* Wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, hoarseness

* Headaches

* Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps

* Sense of impending doom, loss of consciousness

What Can I Do If I Am At Risk For Anaphylaxis?

If you or someone you love is at risk for anaphylaxis, you should ask your doctor about the drug, epinephrine. This drug is available only by prescription and is the preferred treatment for anaphylaxis. Given as an injection (via an epi-pen or epi-pen jr. ) epinephrine rapidly constricts the blood vessels, relaxes the lung muscles to improve breathing, reverses swelling, and stimulates the heartbeat. The sooner anaphylaxis is treated, the greater the likelihood of survival. Therefore, you should be able to reach one within seconds. Keep one near you at all times. Epinephrine should be used with extreme caution in people who have heart disease. Side effects may includes fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, and breathing difficulties.