What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may include any of the following:
- Breathing difficulties, such as fast, shallow or noisy breathing
- Wheezing or persistent cough
- Swelling of the tongue
- Swelling or tightness in the throat
- Difficulty talking or hoarse voice
- Confusion and anxiety
- Persistent dizziness or collapse
- A rapid, weak pulse
- Skin rash
- Clammy skin
Sometimes there are early signs and symptoms of a mild to moderate allergic reaction which may develop into anaphylaxis. These include:
Swelling of the face, eyes and/or lips
Hives or welts
Abdominal pain and vomiting, which are signs of anaphylaxis for an insect allergy
A reaction may vary from one exposure to the next and symptoms may not always appear straight away.
Anaphylaxis triggers
Triggers, also known as allergens, are normally harmless substances that may cause anaphylaxis in some people. They include:
Food, insect bites and stings, and medicines are generally more common types of triggers than latex and exercise. In some cases, the cause cannot be identified.
When a person is exposed to a trigger, anaphylaxis usually occurs within 20 minutes to two hours, so emergency treatment is vital. Adrenaline is first-line medication.
FOOD MAY CONTAIN ALLERGENS
TREATING ANAPHYLAXIS WITH ADRENALINE
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires an immediate injection of adrenaline. Learn why being prepared is essential and how ANAPEN® 500 could help.
Anaphylaxis can happen without warning. If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, it is essential to always carry your adrenaline autoinjectors and your individualised ASCIA Action Plan with you.
Why is anaphylaxis unpredictable?
Different triggers can cause anaphylaxis, making it hard to anticipate when it might happen
Reactions vary from person to person and each reaction can be different
Some factors can lower the threshold for anaphylaxis and may include:
- General health at the time
the food was eaten - Medication/Drug use
- Alcohol
- Exercise
Moderate to severe anaphylaxis is more likely in people who have other medical conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Atopy
- Allergic rhinitis
- Thyroid disease
- Asthma
- Type 2 diabetes
Which dose of adrenaline is right for you?
In Australia, adrenaline autoinjectors are available in two dose strengths for adults:
300mcg
OR
500mcg
DID YOU KNOW?
In a recent Australian study, more than 40% of anaphylaxis patients needed additional doses of adrenaline when in hospital emergency1*
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy states that
“A 500 microgram dose can potentially prevent the need for further doses of adrenaline (which is important due to increasing ambulance delays and many people only carrying one device)”2†
ANAPEN® 500 IS THE ONLY AVAILABLE 500mcg ADRENALINE AUTOINJECTOR
Could ANAPEN® 500† be right for you?
Find out if you could benefit from being prepared with ANAPEN® 500.
ASSESS YOUR RISK
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