Anaphylaxis is an immune system shutdown prompted by inhaling, eating, or touching an allergen. Initial symptoms may include tingling in the mouth and lips, flushing or blushing, a general feeling of warmth, itching, and the beginnings of a rash, welts, or hives. Symptoms then begin to build as the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal system, lungs, and other organs each encounter the allergen and react adversely.

Without timely intervention, blood pressure can drop suddenly, causing light-headedness, followed by loss of consciousness, and, without intervention, even death. Anaphylactic shock can be slowed and reversed by the emergency injection of epinephrine prescribed by your health care provider. Following an emergency injection, a visit to the nearest emergency room is absolutely necessary.

Of the thousands of potentially life-threatening allergic reactions that occur annually, most do not end in death. Only about 40 Americans die every year from insect-related anaphylactic shock, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. And many of them might be alive today if emergency medication had been administered in time. If you think you may be allergic to a food or medicine, or to insect venom, tell your health care provider right away.

You can protect yourself from allergen-induced anaphylaxis. Your doctor may prescribe emergency medication, either an injectable dose of epinephrine, or epinephrine and an antihistamine. Carry it with you at all times, and check the expiration date regularly. Also follow these suggestions from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the Food Anaphylactic Children’s Training and Support Association:

1. See your doctor.

• Find out exactly which allergens have to be avoided.
• Ask for clear emergency instructions, including a demonstration of how to use an epinephrine auto-injector.

2. Don’t assume anyone else knows about your allergy.

• Learn to read food labels and study them every time you buy packaged food.
• Learn both the generic and brand names of any drug you are allergic to, and double-check the labels on every bottle of new medication.
• Plan ahead for dining out or social occasions by bringing a safe snack just in case you’re allergic to what’s being served.
• Explain to your waiter the seriousness of your food allergy and ask about all ingredients in the foods you order.

3. Be prepared at all times.

• Carry your emergency medication, and make sure someone in your party knows where to find it in case you are unable to speak.
• Wear a medical identification bracelet.

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