Anaphylaxis Awareness
When a harmless substance such as dust, mould, or pollen (the allergen) is encountered by a person who is allergic to that substance, the immune system may over-react by producing antibodies that “attack” the allergen. This can cause wheezing, itching, runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, and other symptoms.
Allergy is widespread in the UK and worldwide and the number of people affected and experiencing severe allergic symptoms continues to increase, particularly in the developed world. Changes in lifestyle, such as less breastfeeding, smaller family size and increased antibiotic use, affect the amount people are exposed to microbes or allergens and have all contributed to the theory as to why allergies are increasing.
Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system. The symptoms can include:
- A runny nose or sneezing.
- Pain or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead.
- Coughing, wheezing or breathlessness.
- Itchy skin or a raised rash (hives).
- Diarrhoea.
- Feeling or being sick.
- Swollen eyes, lips, mouth or throat.
It is possible to develop an allergy later in life, and also for that allergy which has not caused any previous debilitating symptoms, to cause a severe reaction, as in the case of latex gloves. A severe allergic reaction can lead to swelling to the airways that can cause difficulty breathing, known as Anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It can happen seconds or minutes after you’ve been exposed to something you’re allergic to. Peanuts or bee stings are examples. In Anaphylaxis, the immune system releases a flood of chemicals that can cause the body to go into shock. If a person is aware they have a severe reaction to a substance or have had an Anaphylactic Reaction previously, they are sometimes prescribed an EPIPEN, to carry with them at all times, for use in the case of an emergency. The EPIPEN contains Adrenaline, which counters the effects of the allergen, by decreasing the body’s allergic response and reducing the swelling.
In the event a person has an anaphylaxis in the absence of an EPIPEN, basic first aid actions should be taken:
- Remove the source of the allergy if possible.
- Call for help and an ambulance.
- Lay the casualty in the recovery position and follow basic ABC protocols until help arrives.
Once a person has been found to be severely allergic to a substance, they are advised to avoid that substance going forward and may be offered an EPIPEN. They should make sure that the people they work with are aware that they have an allergy and are confident of what to do in the case of an emergency.