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Anaphylactic Reactions

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic response that produces breathing difficulties, collapse, and possible death. Symptoms usually occur within several minutes following contact with the allergen and proceed rapidly. Anaphylactic reactions tend to be faster and more severe with each exposure to the allergen.

What Causes Anaphylactic Reactions?

Anaphylactic reactions are usually caused by:

• Foods: Some common foods that may cause reactions are peanuts, shellfish, nuts, eggs, fish. Reactions can be caused by any food such as milk, beef, pork, soya, potato, or wheat products.
• Stinging insects
• Drugs: Common drugs that cause reactions are penicillin and ASA

Signs and Symptoms

Some initial signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis are:

• tingling lips and mouth
• flushing of face, body
• itchy eyes, nose, face
• eyes and face swelling
• vomiting
• hives
• diarrhoea
• wheezing

Symptoms of anaphylaxis rapidly progress to:

• weakness and dizziness
• throat swelling closed
• inability to breathe
• loss of consciousness

WARNING!

Children with life-threatening anaphylactic reactions may require medication if a reaction occurs at CAMP. You will NOT have time to wait for the parent or for the ambulance. The child may be unable to self-administer the medication due to the severity of the symptoms. Those who are certified would be required to give the child adrenalin through an EPIPEN, which is a pre-packaged automatic injector containing adrenalin.

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