Severe Allergy
Expert diagnosis, emergency management, and long-term treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions
What is Severe Allergy (Anaphylaxis)?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen. Without immediate epinephrine, it can be fatal.
Anaphylaxis affects approximately 1 in 50 Americans (over 6 million people). Up to 1,500 deaths occur annually from anaphylaxis.
Common Triggers
- Foods: Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish
- Insect stings: Bees, wasps, fire ants
- Medications: Penicillin, NSAIDs
- Latex
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms typically begin within 5-30 minutes of exposure.
Respiratory
- Difficulty breathing
- Throat swelling
- Wheezing
Cardiovascular
- Rapid/weak pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness/fainting
Skin
- Hives
- Swelling (angioedema)
- Itching/flushing
Gastrointestinal
- Nausea/vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
Medical Emergency
⚠️ CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of tongue/throat
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Known severe allergy with ANY symptom
DO NOT DELAY - Administer epinephrine immediately!
Biphasic Anaphylaxis
Important: In 20-30% of cases, symptoms may return 4-12 hours later. Observe in medical facility for 4-6 hours.
Diagnosis
- Skin Prick Testing: Identifies IgE-mediated allergies
- Specific IgE Blood Tests: Measures allergen antibodies
- Oral Food Challenge: Gold standard under supervision
- Tryptase Level: Confirms anaphylaxis during reaction
Emergency Treatment
First-Line: Epinephrine
- Auto-injector: 0.3 mg (adults), 0.15 mg (children)
- Inject into anterolateral thigh
- Hold for 3 seconds, massage for 10 seconds
- Repeat after 5-15 minutes if needed
- Always call 911 after use
⚠️ DELAYING EPINEPHRINE is the leading cause of fatal anaphylaxis!
Hospital Emergency Treatments
High-flow oxygen
IV fluids for hypotension
Antihistamines & corticosteroids
Long-term Management
Immunotherapy
- SCIT (Allergy shots) for venom/environmental
- SLIT (Tablets) for grass, ragweed, dust mite
- OIT (Oral Immunotherapy) for food allergies
Prevention Strategies
- Allergen avoidance education
- Anaphylaxis action plan
- Medical alert identification
- Carry TWO epinephrine auto-injectors
Risk Factors
- Asthma (especially uncontrolled)
- Previous severe anaphylaxis
- Delayed epinephrine administration
- Beta-blocker or ACE inhibitor use
- Cardiovascular disease
Prognosis
Survival with prompt epinephrine
Food allergy resolution with OIT
With proper management, most individuals with severe allergies can lead normal, active lives.
Why Choose Our Center?
Comprehensive care from board-certified allergists
Immunotherapy Experts
OIT, SLIT, SCIT programs
Comprehensive Testing
Skin, blood, component testing
Patient Education
Action plans & training
24/7 Emergency Support
Rapid specialist access