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ALLERGY CENTRES: SURREY | OXFORD | YORKSHIRE
MEDICAL DIRECTOR:
DR A. ECONS
MRCS LRCP

 

Anaphylaxis:

 

possibly life-threatening allergic.

 

This Anaphylaxis describes the serious, possibly life-threatening allergic reactions mainly caused by foods or inhalant agents. The incidence of true anaphylaxis is small, estimated as 1:70 of general population but seems to be on the increase. Symptoms possibly caused by anaphylaxis include swelling of the tongue and/or throat, breathlessness, vomiting, diarrhoea, flushed complexion followed by pallor, collapse and shock from a depleted fluid volume. Anaphylaxis is often associated with the occurrence of angio-oedema and/or urticaria (hives). The person is often able to make the connection between cause and effect because the time lapsing in “immediate” allergy is rather short (minutes to a few hours). (For more information on angio-oedema and urticaria, click here).

 



 

Nut allergy

Nut allergy is the most serious type, along with allergy to wasp venom, followed by allergy to pollens, animal fur, sea food, egg white, cow’s milk and some other common foods. This type of allergy can be confirmed with skin prick tests (but this carries a risk of inducing anaphylaxis) and with immunoglobulin E (an antibody specific to the suspected allergen). In our clinics we avoid skin prick tests when there is a history suggestive of anaphylaxis. (for information on allergy testing click here).

Anaphylaxis-like (or “anaphylactoid”) reactions

Anaphylaxis-like (or “anaphylactoid”) reactions are caused by other immune mechanisms “mimicking” an immediate or severe allergy, but without its usual markers. In our experience, many patients resign to take antihistamines long term, believing they have life-threatening reactions but are unaware of specific factors responsible for their symptoms. They are often surprised to discover they have “delayed”/Type B food allergy (also known as “intolerance”) to some common foods or food chemicals (mono-sodium glutamate/MSG, food colourings and sulphur based and other preservatives are included in this list). More than 4:5 of people seen in our clinics manage to identify relevant causative factors and control them with simple avoidance measures.


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SPECIALISTS
TIPS & NOTES

 
 

Investigations Chronic Fatigue Syndrom

 

If you suspect that you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should seek immediate medical attention at a Medical Emergency department or by the para-medics. The standard treatment includes injections of adrenaline, antihistamines, and/or steroids. Patients with confirmed or suspected anaphylaxis are usually issued with self-injectable adrenalin (Epipen).

Tip 1: People with suspected anaphylaxis to nuts may also react to seeds; those reacting to seafood such as shrimp, may also have problems with most other items in that group including lobster or clams.
Tip 2: in contrast with immediate allergy, other food re-activities can be reversed with long term avoidance
Tip 3: Highly sensitive individuals have to be extra vigilant to avoid eating meals with traces of foods they react to; if in trouble, the prompt use of adrenaline can save a life, hesitating to use it can waste it.
Tip 4: Many people who have been repeatedly attacked by wasps seem to underestimate to powerful effect perfumes and other scents such as deodorants and toiletries have on insects.

Desensitisation

If all else fails, it is possible to desensitise one against a severe allergy, although this is never offered too promptly. The procedure carries a risk and should be used in a “safe” environment with expert help in hand. There are methods, such as the End-point Titration, which carry less risk for causing severe symptoms.

 
 
 

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THAMES ALLERGY CLINIC Registered in England No. 03773565
Registered Office: The Health Suite, Rooms 14-16, 28 Queens Road,
Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9UT

AIRDALE ALLERGY CLINIC Registered in England No. 04187348
Registered Office: The Health Suite, Rooms 14-16, 28 Queens Road,
Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9UT