Ways to Prevent Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, and can be caused by many different things. The four most common allergies that result in anaphylaxis come from allergies to food, latex or rubber, insect bites, and medications. Anaphylaxis can cause horrible rashes and swelling, or may also cause shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and anxiety. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. If not treated within minutes of the allergic reaction, it does have the potential to be fatal. Severe allergies are very serious and require medical treatment and maintenance. Here are some ways to prevent anaphylaxis:

Testing: The most tragic cases of anaphylaxis often happen to people who simply don't know that they have allergies. This can be easily prevented by a trip to your doctor, who can test you using allergen extracts (i.e., dog hair or grass) and vaccines. These tests are approved by the FDA, so you know that getting tested is safe. Children and adults of all ages can be tested for allergies.

Preventing: Once you know that you have a severe allergy, do all you can to avoid coming in to contact with anything that might result in anaphylaxis. For instance, if you're allergic to any medications, make sure to include that information in your medical history at any doctor's or dentist's office. If you have an allergy to insect bites, make sure to wear protective clothing and repellent while outdoors. If you have a food allergy, make sure to always check the ingredients of any packaged food you're about to eat. Though these actions may feel tedious, they could save your life.

Treating: Because every bee sting and stray peanut in a cookie cannot always be foreseen, it is absolutely necessary to carry an emergency anaphylaxis kit. This will contain the medication needed to counteract the allergy. In most cases, this medication is epinephrine, and it can be easily injected into the arm or leg. Make sure that the people that surround you also know how to inject the epinephrine, in case you lose consciousness and cannot do it yourself.

There are many different types of anaphylactic emergency kits you can choose from, but all require proper handling and dosage from your doctor. TwinJet and EpiPen are examples of auto-injectors of epinephrine that are easy to use for people of all ages. The problem with many kits, however, is that they are easily lost or misplaced. If you find yourself often misplacing your kit, you might need a TwinJet or EpiPen holder. This will help guarantee that you will always have your epinephrine treatment when you need it most.

Anaphylaxis needs to be taken seriously. If you get tested for severe allergies, know how to prevent reactions if you have them, and are always prepared with an emergency anaphylactic kit, you will be able to have the peace of mind of knowing that you and your loved ones are protected.