Anaphylaxis Myths and Facts: Symptoms, Triggers, Treatment, and More
Anaphylaxis Myths and Facts: Symptoms, Triggers, Treatment, and More
Fact: Anaphylaxis must be treated right away with epinephrine, a hormone that raises heart rate and opens airways. You use an auto-injector to deliver epinephrine. You press this device against the upper thigh and inject the medicine into the muscle. Even if there is no proof that the symptoms are directly related to an allergic reaction, do not take that risk. Use the injector anyway because it will not harm the patient if their issue turns out not to be related to their allergy.
Auto-injectors are available by prescription only. Anyone at risk for anaphylaxis should carry two with them at all times. If you don't have an auto-injector and you or someone with you has anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.
"Many people will treat with antihistamines or steroids first before giving epinephrine, and that is completely inappropriate," Stukus says. The longer anaphylaxis goes without proper treatment, the riskier it gets.
Remember, you still need to go to the hospital.
Fact: It's very safe and easy to do, Stukus says. People often worry about side effects, but there are very few. Or they may be squeamish about using a needle.
"I had a situation recently where a mother knew her son was having anaphylaxis but she could not bring herself to inject him," Stukus says. "She was paralyzed by fear of doing something wrong, but in reality, doing nothing is the worst thing you can do."
If you have an auto-injector, talk with your doctor about the right way to use it. "I strongly recommend anyone given a prescription have the opportunity to practice with a training device [which has no medicine in it], so they can learn what it actually feels like," Stukus says.
Fact: Often, anaphylaxis triggers are obvious, like if you're stung by a bee and swell up right away. But sometimes, you may not react immediately to the trigger, or you may be in contact with several new foods, medicines, or materials all at once.
In up to half of all cases of repeated anaphylaxis, the cause is not known. (Doctors call this “idiopathic” anaphylaxis.)
Even if you think you know what the trigger was, it's still important to visit an allergist and have tests done to find out for sure. "If you base it on history alone, you may give yourself an incorrect diagnosis, which can affect your ability to avoid or treat anaphylaxis in the future,” Stukus says.
There are other reasons to make an appointment with an allergist after an anaphylaxis episode, as well: to learn more about what puts you at risk, know what to do in an emergency, and get advice to manage your allergy and stay safe.
6 Anaphylaxis Myths and Facts
Myth #4: You can treat it with over-the-counter drugs.
Fact: Anaphylaxis must be treated right away with epinephrine, a hormone that raises heart rate and opens airways. You use an auto-injector to deliver epinephrine. You press this device against the upper thigh and inject the medicine into the muscle. Even if there is no proof that the symptoms are directly related to an allergic reaction, do not take that risk. Use the injector anyway because it will not harm the patient if their issue turns out not to be related to their allergy.
Auto-injectors are available by prescription only. Anyone at risk for anaphylaxis should carry two with them at all times. If you don't have an auto-injector and you or someone with you has anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.
"Many people will treat with antihistamines or steroids first before giving epinephrine, and that is completely inappropriate," Stukus says. The longer anaphylaxis goes without proper treatment, the riskier it gets.
Remember, you still need to go to the hospital.
Myth #5: It’s hard to inject epinephrine.
Fact: It's very safe and easy to do, Stukus says. People often worry about side effects, but there are very few. Or they may be squeamish about using a needle.
"I had a situation recently where a mother knew her son was having anaphylaxis but she could not bring herself to inject him," Stukus says. "She was paralyzed by fear of doing something wrong, but in reality, doing nothing is the worst thing you can do."
If you have an auto-injector, talk with your doctor about the right way to use it. "I strongly recommend anyone given a prescription have the opportunity to practice with a training device [which has no medicine in it], so they can learn what it actually feels like," Stukus says.
Myth #6: It's easy to pinpoint the cause.
Fact: Often, anaphylaxis triggers are obvious, like if you're stung by a bee and swell up right away. But sometimes, you may not react immediately to the trigger, or you may be in contact with several new foods, medicines, or materials all at once.
In up to half of all cases of repeated anaphylaxis, the cause is not known. (Doctors call this “idiopathic” anaphylaxis.)
Even if you think you know what the trigger was, it's still important to visit an allergist and have tests done to find out for sure. "If you base it on history alone, you may give yourself an incorrect diagnosis, which can affect your ability to avoid or treat anaphylaxis in the future,” Stukus says.
There are other reasons to make an appointment with an allergist after an anaphylaxis episode, as well: to learn more about what puts you at risk, know what to do in an emergency, and get advice to manage your allergy and stay safe.
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