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Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, which is potentially fatal, to a foreign substance. It can happen to people of any age and is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Reactions to foods are more common in children while drug reactions are more common in adults. Anaphylaxis can range from mild to severe reactions. In the United States, it is estimated that from 100 to 1,000 deaths are caused by anaphylaxis each year.

The word ‘Anaphylaxis’ comes from the Greek words “contrary to protection”. It is a reaction of the immune system to substances in the environment that are usually harmless. The basic understanding is that it is probably due to antigen-antibody interactions on the surface of mast cells. The antigen-antibody interaction damages cell membranes, causing a sudden release of chemicals, including histamine, heparin, and serotonin which produce serious systemic reactions.

Anaphylaxis is a rare event. The first time an individual comes into contact with a foreign body, he or she is sensitized. The next exposure produces the full reaction. Anaphylaxis is often triggered by an anti-serum used for the treatment of insect bites, the insect bites themselves, certain drugs, including antibiotics, and exposure to latex. Food can trigger severe anaphylactic reactions with the most common cases involving seafood, rice, peanuts, egg whites and milk products. Reactions can occur within minutes after the introduction of the triggering substance.

It is not clear why some people have anaphylactic reactions to substances that cause no response in most people. The basis for the reaction is most likely genetic, although no specific genes have been identified. Similar to most other allergic reactions, anaphylaxis is caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells. Mast cells are a type of white blood cells found in large quantities in tissues that regulate exchange with the environment like the airways (nose and throat), the digestive system and skin.

In anaphylaxis, the dramatic response is due to both the extreme sensitivity to the allergen and its usually systemic distribution. Allergens are more likely to cause anaphylaxis if introduced directly into the bloodstream by injection. However, ingestion, inhalation or skin contact can also cause anaphylaxis. In some cases, less severe allergies can change over time and can result in more serious anaphylaxis later in life.

Although I have a daughter with severe food allergies, I am not a doctor and this article is not medical advice.

The definition of anaphylaxis in the simplest form is some kind of harmful reaction to a food, an insect sting, or exposure to other types of allergens. Anaphylactic reactions often “sneak up” without notice, but understanding the signs and symptoms can teach you to recognize the “red flags” before they become a bigger problem.

Anaphylaxis is a whole body reaction, where after being exposed to an allergen, the body becomes sensitized to that allergen. When that allergen is re-introduced into the body, the body produces histamines to fight it. It is during this reaction that the bodies’ outside signals show what is happening on the inside.

An anaphylactic reaction could begin with tingling sensations, itching anywhere on the body, hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, swelling of the throat, coughing with increased intensity, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure, nausea, swelling of the mouth and lips, watery or puffy eyes, or difficulty swallowing. It could also include skin redness and irritation, splotchy skin, confusion, anxiety, light-headedness, nasal congestion, and slurred speech.

Anaphylactic symptoms may be mild with only itching, or severe in combination with difficulty breathing, hives, and other symptoms. The symptoms can begin within seconds of a food being ingested, or show up two hours later. They can appear and disappear quickly, then come back several hours after the incident.

In some circumstances, anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated properly and with quick action.

Children may not be able to tell adults what the specific allergy or reaction may be, and precious time can be wasted if adults do not immediately understand that the child is having a reaction to something.

Children may describe these allergic reactions as the food being spicy (when it is not), the tongue being hot, their mouth feeling funny, or like something is poking or itching their tongue. They could also say it feels like a frog is in their throat, their lips feel tight, like there are bugs in there, or complain that their throat feels thick. Or, simple observations of other signs will tell you.

If at any point you notice any of these signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis or see your child having an anaphylactic reaction, follow your doctor’s instructions on handling the situation. When in doubt, call 911 and take your child to the Emergency Room.