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
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.
Food Allergy Anaphylaxis
Despite careful avoidance, food allergic individuals are still at risk of anaphylactic reactions Fifty one individuals, of varying ages, experienced food induced anaphylaxis in the following places:
13 at home
9 in restaurants
8 school/day care
7 relative or friends house
6 leisure activities
3 work
2 church
2 hospital
1 food store
9 in restaurants
8 school/day care
7 relative or friends house
6 leisure activities
3 work
2 church
2 hospital
1 food store
Eigenmann and Zamora note that food induced-anaphylaxis in those aware of their allergy happens most often at sites considered as safe and that better strategies to avoid accidental reactions include clear labelling of forbidden foods and increased information at all levels.
It is worth noting that although 78% of the reactions occurred after eating the food, 16% were as a result of contact and 6% as a result of inhalation.
Eigenmann PA, Zamora SA. An internet-based survey on the circumstances of food-induced reactions following the diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy. Allergy 2002;57(5):449-53.
Anaphylaxis from Gummy Bears
Scurlock et al outline the case of a young girl who experienced anaphylaxis after eating gummy bears. She was tested for allergy to the various ingredients but all results were negative.
The authors concluded that she was reacting to the added "natural and artificial flavors" but because the manufacturers would not disclose the ingredients within these it was not possible for them to identify the exact culprit
The authors write: "Currently, vendors are reluctant to reveal the variable components of these flavorings. In light of the potentially life-threatening complications that can ensue from consumption of these products, cooperation with industry and improved labelling of all ingredients is essential."
Anaphylaxis after ingestion of gummy bears
Scurlock AM, Althage KA, Christie L, Burks AW, Jones SM.
J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;1(10)
Scurlock AM, Althage KA, Christie L, Burks AW, Jones SM.
J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;1(10)
Anaphylaxis to Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
It is a common misconception that vitamins when taken as supplements are safe. Not only can added ingredients such as binders, colours and flavours pose a problem but so can the actual vitamin itself.
Ou et al reported on the case of a 15 year old boy who developed anaphylaxis to riboflavin (vitamin B2). Riboflavin is not just found within supplements but is also often added to other food products such as cereals and soft drinks.
Anaphylaxis to riboflavin (vitamin B2). Ou LS, Kuo ML, Huang JL. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2001;87(5):430-3.