Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is an acute, severe allergic reaction needing immediate medical attention. It can be triggered by a variety of allergens, the most common of which are foods (especially peanuts, nuts, eggs, cow's milk, shellfish), certain drugs such as penicillin, and the venom of stinging insects (such as bees, wasps or hornets).
In its most severe form the condition is life-threatening.
Symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure and may include any combination of the following:
Itching or a strange metallic taste in the mouth
Swelling of the throat and tongue
Difficulty in swallowing
Hives anywhere on the body
Generalised flushing of the skin
Abdominal cramps and nausea
Increased heart rate sudden
Feeling of weakness
Sense of doom
Difficulty in breathing
Collapse and unconsciousness.
Not all of the symptoms need be present at the same time. For some people, the reactions are always mild - a tingling sensation the mouth or hives only. For others, especially when the breathing is affected the condition becomes life-threatening and medical attention must be sought.
When testing foods it is important that you, and the person with you, know what these symptoms are. Increased swelling in the mouth and problems with breathing require emergency help - do not wait, phone for help immediately.
People with identified anaphylactic reactions are often prescribed adrenaline injections that they can keep with them at all times. Less serious cases are some times prescribed ant-histamine pills.