ANAPHYLAXIS Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe life threatening allergic reaction that occurs when you are exposed to a substance that your body was sensitized to during a previous exposure. This reaction causes a sudden release of chemicals, including histamines, from cells in the blood and the body's tissues. These chemicals dilate the blood vessels, lowering the blood pressure. They cause the blood vessels to leak fluid, leading to hives and swelling, especially around the face and throat. The chemicals also act on the lungs, causing an asthmatic reaction - that is, causing the lung's airways to constrict, thus making it difficult to breathe. Anaphylaxis may have mild symptoms, causing only hives and itching. However, it can be extremely serious, even causing death. Blood pressure can drop severely, leading to loss of consciousness. Swelling of the throat and airways can cause difficulty breathing, speaking and swallowing. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Almost any substance can provoke anaphylaxis if there is an allergy to that substance. Anaphylaxis occurs usually within minutes of exposure to the allergen and almost always within two hours. Sometimes symptoms may disappear and then reappear later. Common Causes of Anaphylaxis Foods, such as Peanuts, Shellfish, Dairy Products, Eggs as well as others. Tree nuts Insect stings (such as wasps, bees, ants) Latex Medications (which could include your allergy serum) Signs of Anaphylaxis Hives or Rash Severe Wheezing Throat/Chest Tightness Severe Sudden Hayfever & Nasal Congestion Fainting (Rare) Treatment: Epinephrine injection is the gold standard for treatment of anaphylaxis. It can quickly reverse the reaction. It can work within seconds. Antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Benadryl or Xyzol may take up to 15 minutes to be effective and are used quickly after an epinephrine injection, so they can start working. Corticosteroid injections and Prednisone may take 4 hours to be effective and do help to prevent later reactions