Asthma and Anaphylaxis

What Is Anaphylaxis?

  • Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction.
  • Different parts of the body can be affected all at once.
  • The signs of anaphylaxis may not always be the same.
  • Anaphylaxis is most often caused by foods, medicines or insect stings. It can be caused by other things, such as latex or exercise.
  • Reactions are unpredictable, but usually occur within a few minutes after contact.
  • Anaphylaxis almost always occurs within an hour after contact, but can happen up to 2 hours later.
  • Antihistamine medicines will not prevent or stop anaphylaxis.
  • Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Death can occur.

 

Asthma And Anaphylaxis

  • Anaphylactic reactions can be worse if you also have asthma, especially if asthma is not well controlled.
  • Trouble breathing can occur with both asthma and anaphylaxis. It usually comes on more quickly with anaphylaxis.
  • Adrenalin (epinephrine) is needed to treat anaphylaxis.
  • Asthma inhalers will not work for anaphylaxis.
  • Some allergies, such as dog, can trigger asthma, but are unlikely to cause anaphylaxis.

 

Signs of Anaphylaxis

  • Severe hives or itching that happen over minutes and affect most of the body
  • Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face
  • Drooling or trouble swallowing
  • Sudden breathing problems such as cough, wheeze or feeling short of breath
  • Severe repeated vomiting
  • Dizziness or fainting.

 

Managing Anaphylaxis

  • See an allergy doctor to confirm allergies.
  • Learn how to avoid the things you are allergic to. Make sure to avoid them.
  • Always carry your epinephrine auto-injector EpiPen®, TwinjectTM or AllerjectTM - It can save your life.
  • Check your auto-injector's expiry date. Replace it when it is expired.  Review when and how to use it every month.
  • Use your auto-injector at the earliest sign of anaphylaxis. Do not wait for breathing problems.
  • If in doubt, use the EpiPen®, AllerjectTM or Twinject!
  • As soon as it is used, call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest Emergency Department.
  • Make sure that family, friends and other caregivers know about your allergy and anaphylaxis plan.
  • Make sure they know how to use the auto-injector.
  • School age children, teens and adults who are at risk for anaphylaxis should wear MedicAlert® bracelet.


Click the following links for more information on how to's:

EpiPen®  information

TwinjectTM information

AllergjectTM information


Helpful links for food allergy information 

 

Allergic Living Magazine www.allergicliving.com

  

AnaphylaxisCanada   www.anaphylaxis.ca

 

Allergy Support Centre www.allergysupportcentre.ca

 

Information for Kids/Anaphylaxis Canada  www.safe4kids.ca

  

Asthma/Allergy Information Association www.aaia.ca

  

Canadian Food Inspection Agency   www.inspection.gc.ca

 

FAAN Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network  www.foodallergy.org


Resources for Teens with Food Allergies - Click here! 




The Children's Allergy & Asthma Education Centre ©2013, 2014