Anaphylaxis

Understanding anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. It causes 20 deaths each year in the UK. It can affect anyone. The main causes are certain types of food, insect stings and medication.

Severe allergic reactions can be dangerous. They can cause breathing problems, a fast heartbeat and a skin rash. So emergency medical help is often needed. Treatments include adrenaline auto-injectors like EpiPen and Jext. You can use these yourself. With quick action, most people fully recover.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

Signs of an anaphylactic reaction vary. For example, they may include:

• Feeling hot or flushed

• A lump in the throat or trouble swallowing

• Skin rash, hives or pale skin

• Feeling sick or vomiting

• Upset stomach or loose stools

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

• Stomach pain

• Runny nose

• Wheezing or trouble breathing

• Swollen tongue or lips

• Pins and needles in hands, feet, scalp or mouth

If left untreated, it can lead to anaphylactic shock (allergic shock). Signs of shock include:

• Trouble breathing

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• Sudden weakness

• Loss of consciousness

Call 999 for an ambulance during a severe allergic emergency.

Causes and risk factors

Severe allergic reactions can be caused by:

• Some medicines and antibiotics

• Animal hair

• Foods, such as nuts, shellfish, milk or eggs

• Insect stings or venom

• Allergy treatments

• Latex

• Exercise or hay fever

If you're unsure about your symptoms, ask your doctor for an allergy test. You're at higher risk of anaphylaxis if you've had a severe allergic reaction before, have allergies or have a family history of them.

Managing anaphylactic shock

At the first sign of symptoms, use an adrenaline injector right away. Don't take other medicines if you have trouble breathing. Seek medical help, even if you feel better. Carry two injectors in case symptoms return.

If someone else is having an anaphylactic reaction:

• Call 999.

• Help them into a comfortable position.

• Lift their legs to keep blood flowing to important body parts.

• Give adrenaline if available.

• If they're not breathing, pump their chest until help arrives.

Anaphylaxis treatments

Adrenaline auto-injectors are the best treatment for anaphylaxis. They help by:

• Tightening blood vessels to reduce swelling

• Increasing blood pressure

• Improving breathing

Common brands of adrenaline auto-injectors include EpiPen and Jext.

Recommended dosage of adrenaline

The dosage of adrenaline depends on body weight:

• Adults: 3mg for those over 25kg (about 55lb or more)

• Children (3 years old): 0.15mg for those between 7.5 and 25kg (about 16 to 55lb)

Buy adrenaline online

You can buy these online from Click Pharmacy. Complete the online form on our website. If approved, our team will prescribe your adrenaline auto-injector. It will be issued quickly from our pharmacy by Royal Mail first class post or next-day delivery.

Comparing EpiPen and Jext

Both EpiPen and Jext are used for the same purpose. They contain adrenaline to save lives during bad allergic reactions. The main difference is in how they are used.

• EpiPen: It's simple to use. You just remove the safety cap and press the pen firmly against the outer thigh. The injection happens automatically without any extra steps.

• Jext: Jext requires removing the safety cap and pressing the pen against the outer thigh. After use, the needle stays visible so you can confirm that the adrenaline was delivered.

Both inject adrenaline, but Jext includes an additional safety step after use for confirmation.

How long does anaphylaxis last?

Anaphylaxis develops rapidly. It typically reaches its peak severity within 5 to 30 minutes. While most symptoms improve with quick treatment, some may return hours later. You must take a second dose if you have difficulty breathing, airway tightness or wheezing that lasts for more than 5 minutes after using an adrenaline auto injector.

Other symptoms, such as rash or stomach pain, may take longer to subside. The effects of adrenaline usually last around 10 to 20 minutes. However, the adrenaline can remain in your system for 6 hours or longer.

Asthma and anaphylaxis

If you have asthma, you're more at risk of severe allergic reactions. It’s important to manage your asthma well. Some symptoms of severe allergic reactions are similar to asthma attacks. If unsure, use your severe allergic reaction treatment first, then your asthma medication.

Diagnosis of severe allergic reaction

Talk to your doctor about your past allergic reactions. If you think you have a severe allergic reaction, it is essential to identify it, especially if you have previously had a history of this.

Protection against emergency

If you have a severe allergy, avoid being exposed to something that triggers it. If you have food allergies, read ingredient labels and tell staff when eating out. Also, if you are prone to insect stings, use insect spray and don’t walk without shoes. Finally, always carry two adrenaline auto-injectors. Make sure you know how to inject them in an emergency.