Risk Factors
There are three main factors that may increase the risk of a severe anaphylactic reaction.
1. Anaphylaxis and asthma
If you have asthma and are also diagnosed with life-threatening allergies you are more likely to have severe breathing problems during an anaphylactic reaction. This is why it is very important to keep your asthma well controlled.
Epinephrine can be used to treat asthma attacks as well as anaphylactic reactions. If you are not sure whether you are having an anaphylactic reaction or an asthma attack, you should use your auto-injector first. Also, always carry your epinephrine auto-injector and asthma medications (e.g. puffers/inhalers) with you at all times.
2. Epinephrine - not using or delay in use
Epinephrine is the drug of choice to treat an anaphylactic reaction and needs to be given early.
It is very important that you know the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and how to correctly use an epinephrine auto-injector.
There is no danger to using epinephrine for a life-threatening allergic reaction. This means that in normally healthy individuals, epinephrine will not cause harm if it is given but not needed.
The possible side effects from epinephrine are mild and go away quickly. They can include:
1. Anaphylaxis and asthma
If you have asthma and are also diagnosed with life-threatening allergies you are more likely to have severe breathing problems during an anaphylactic reaction. This is why it is very important to keep your asthma well controlled.
Epinephrine can be used to treat asthma attacks as well as anaphylactic reactions. If you are not sure whether you are having an anaphylactic reaction or an asthma attack, you should use your auto-injector first. Also, always carry your epinephrine auto-injector and asthma medications (e.g. puffers/inhalers) with you at all times.
2. Epinephrine - not using or delay in use
Epinephrine is the drug of choice to treat an anaphylactic reaction and needs to be given early.
It is very important that you know the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and how to correctly use an epinephrine auto-injector.
There is no danger to using epinephrine for a life-threatening allergic reaction. This means that in normally healthy individuals, epinephrine will not cause harm if it is given but not needed.
The possible side effects from epinephrine are mild and go away quickly. They can include:
- rapid heart rate
- pallor (paleness)
- dizziness
- weakness
- tremors (shaking)
- headache
3. Heart Problems
If you have heart disease or high blood pressure you should speak to your doctor about your medications and the need for epinephrine. Some medications (e.g. beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) may slow down the effect of epinephrine and worsen the allergic reaction.
If you have heart disease or high blood pressure you should speak to your doctor about your medications and the need for epinephrine. Some medications (e.g. beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) may slow down the effect of epinephrine and worsen the allergic reaction.
Source: Some information on this page was taken from Anaphylaxis in Schools & Other Settings. Copyright 2005-2011 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
