Anaphylaxis is a severe, sometimes life-threatening, type of allergic reaction. Most commonly, it is caused by exposure to certain foods, medications or insect stings. Below we review more information about anaphylaxis, including how long it lasts.
What Are the Signs of Anaphylaxis?
According to an article by the Mayo Clinic, the signs of anaphylaxis include:
- “Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing.
- A weak and rapid pulse.
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Dizziness or fainting.”
What Is the Timeline of Anaphylaxis?
The timeline of anaphylaxis involves the following:
Exposure to Allergen
When your body is exposed to an allergen, your immune system produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which tell your cells to release the chemical histamine. Histamine is what causes your symptoms.
Symptoms Appear
In most cases, anaphylaxis is triggered within seconds to minutes. Sometimes, however, symptoms emerge as long as two hours after exposure.
In other cases, certain symptoms begin right away and others develop later on.
Early symptoms typically include:
- Skin problems like hives, redness or itchiness.
- Cough, chest tightness or trouble breathing.
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Swollen tongue or difficulty swallowing.
- Headache, sweating or dizziness.
With Epinephrine Injection
As soon as you notice two or more body organs experiencing symptoms, inject epinephrine with a pen you may have picked up at Delta Pharmacy & Medical Supply on East Bay Street. This can prevent symptoms from getting worse. Do not delay doing so.
Immediately after administering this drug, contact emergency medical services.
Without Epinephrine Injection
If you do not administer epinephrine right away, your symptoms could develop into:
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or airway blockage.
- Racing or weak pulse, low blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythm.
- Severe swelling in the mouth, throat and airway.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Cardiac or respiratory arrest.
If you don’t have epinephrine to inject, contact emergency medical services as soon as your symptoms develop, or the results could be life-threatening.
How Long Does It Take Epinephrine to Work?
The effects of epinephrine wear off in about 10 to 20 minutes, but you can experience symptoms of anaphylaxis up to four hours after your initial exposure to the allergen. This is why it’s essential to seek emergency medical care and be put under observation. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an allergy expert, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.