Anaphylaxis Specialist

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a rare but life-threatening reaction to an allergen. When you’re exposed to a particular allergen, your body releases an excessive amount of chemicals that put your body into shock.

This type of reaction can make it difficult for you to breathe, and emergency medical treatment is necessary to prevent severe medical complications, including death.

What causes anaphylaxis?

Those with allergies can react differently to a variety of environmental issues, which may be considered harmless for most people. Common allergens that can trigger anaphylaxis include:

• Foods
• Latex
• Insect bites

You can also develop anaphylaxis when using certain medications, like antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can develop rapidly and quickly lead to serious health issues, like:

• Hives
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Hoarse voice
• Abdominal pain
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulties breathing

In very severe cases, you can even go into cardiac arrest.

What should I do if I go into anaphylaxis shock?

If you have a severe allergy that can trigger anaphylaxis, Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan can help you create an emergency plan in advance. It’s vital that you have injectable epinephrine that can relieve your symptoms until you can get emergency medical care.

Even with the injection, you still need medical services, like 911 or the local hospital emergency room. Anaphylaxis symptoms can return even after treatment, so it’s important that you follow through with proper medical care.

How do I prevent anaphylaxis?

In addition to your emergency care plan for anaphylactic shock, Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan work closely with you to identify potential allergens that can trigger anaphylaxis. If you have other allergies and aren’t sure if you’re at risk for anaphylaxis, the doctors can perform allergy tests to better understand your triggers and your body’s reaction to them.

Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan offer resources to ensure you avoid contact with foods or insect bites and that you and your loved ones understand the first signs of anaphylaxis and what to do during an emergency.

Don’t delay a consultation at Allergy and Clinical Immunology Medical Group if you have existing allergies or experience symptoms of anaphylaxis. Schedule an appointment today by calling the office or using the convenient online booking system.