Healthwatch by Shyft

Want to understand nutrition allergies?
Leave your details & our team will help you set up a consult
Sonali Sachdeva

Nutritionist | 22 Yrs. of experience

Sakina Hashmi

Nutritionist | 7 Yrs. of experience

Abhilasha Sharma

Nutritionist | 5 Yrs. of experience

Enter your details

Anaphylaxis and Allergies

Anaphylaxis and Allergies
Content
Content

If you or your loved ones have any allergies your worst nightmare is bound to be Anaphylaxis. Although rare, anaphylaxis may occur anywhere anytime and it is best to be prepared for it always. All problems in life become a little bit easier with a tad bit of prior preparation! So, we are here to give you the in and out of Anaphylaxis so you can fight it head on. Let’s get started.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe form of an allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. It can show effect within a matter of seconds or minutes after you come into contact with the allergen affecting you, such as peanuts or wheat.

Antibodies produced by the immune system are used to fight off invaders. When a foreign material poses a health risk, such as certain bacteria or viruses, this is a good thing. However, sometimes your immune system can perceive items you are allergic to as a threat and this can lead to antibody formation which results in various reactions in the body.

Extreme allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, are rare but can be fatal. A previous mild anaphylactic reaction does not rule out a more severe reaction the next time you or your child is exposed to the allergen.

When anaphylaxis strikes, the immune system unleashes a barrage of chemicals that can send the body into shock, resulting in a precipitous drop in blood pressure and a narrowing of the airways that prevents normal breathing.

A few of the symptoms are-

  • racing heartbeat
  • a skin rash: hives and itching and flushed or pale skin
  • swollen tongue or throat
  • wheezing and trouble breathing
  • an overwhelming desire to throw up

Some people can have these reactions as they are sensitive to latex, while others have reactions to foods, medications, insect venom, or other substances.

Epinephrine injections and visits to medical centres are the standard treatments for anaphylaxis reactions. There is no substitute for getting to a hospital quickly if you have an anaphylactic reaction and no epinephrine. Failure to promptly treat anaphylaxis can be fatal.

How to be Prepared for anaphylaxis when you go out?

  • Put on a necklace or bracelet that says “medical alert” to let people know about your severe allergies.
  • Always have a supply of your regular medication and an emergency supply on hand. You can ask your provider for advice about the specifics. Make sure your epinephrine auto-injector hasn’t expired, and get a new one before it does.
  • If you have an adverse reaction to a medicine, you should tell your doctors right away.
  • Be careful with stinging insects if you’re allergic to their venom. Don’t go barefoot on the grass, cover up, wear dark colours, avoid scented products, and keep your drinks in sealed containers when you’re outside.
  • Don’t panic if you come upon a stinging insect. Take your time getting away, and don’t slap at the bug.
  • Be sure to check the ingredients of everything you put on your plate if you suffer from food allergies. It’s vital to double-check the labels of the items you eat often, as manufacturing techniques can shift.
  • Get the rundown on the dishes you order at a restaurant by inquiring about their preparation and the components they use. An allergic reaction can be triggered by even a small amount of food.

Take away

Although anaphylaxis is scary it can be managed with the right attitude and proper care. Precaution is better than cure and it is better to exercise as much precaution as possible when dealing with allergies. Having anaphylaxis even once raises your risk of getting it again. Subsequent reactions may be much more severe than the initial ones. Hence it is important not to go lax and ensure that you always have your emergency kit with you. Contacting the emergency room as soon as you see someone having an attack can be a life-saving feat.


Author:
Shyft Health

Shyft

linkedin
Shyft is your trusted source for health and wellness insights. We collaborate with a network of writers and health experts to curate evidence-based content. This content is further vetted and reviewed by our team of internal experts. Our platform is dedicated to providing you with reliable, accessible health information so you can make informed choices for a healthier life. read more

Over 20,000 customers have reduced their symptoms and improved their health by consulting Shyft's Clinical Nutritionists. When are you starting?

READ MORE ON :

Article By:

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles
when new information becomes available.

Read more

Continue to read on a range of topics related to Exercise, Nutrition, Mental Health and Sleep Health.

Understanding Egg Allergy in Kids

5 minutes

26 May 2023

Understanding Egg Allergy in Kids

Who doesn’t love eggs? Sunny side up, Omelettes, boiled eggs, and eggs benedict make up for the perfect breakfast. Almost all nutritional advice starts with eggs for breakfast. Many of our favourite things to eat like cakes and muffins may contain eggs. But have you often noticed your child developing rashes or a runny nose after an egg-based meal? For kids, eggs are a common allergen. While finding out your child has an allergy to a common food item can… Read more

Featured

Understanding Egg Allergy in Kids

Understanding Egg Allergy in Kids

Who doesn’t love eggs? Sunny side up, Omelettes, boiled eggs, and eggs benedict make up for the perfect breakfast. Almost all nutritional advice starts with eggs for breakfast. Many of our favourite things to eat like cakes and muffins may contain eggs. But have you often noticed your child developing rashes or a runny nose after an egg-based meal? For kids, eggs are a common allergen. While finding out your child has an allergy to a common food item can…

book

5 minutes

|

calendar

26 May 2023

Featured

Understanding Latex Allergy

4 minutes

06 Apr 2023

Understanding Latex Allergy

Have you ever felt the sensation of itching or burning as soon as you come into contact with rubber gloves? Does your throat begin to close up when you try to blow air into a balloon? Can a simple stethoscope check make your heartbeat regular and bring on a bout of nausea? If you have experienced any of these issues you may be allergic to latex. Latex is a common constituent of several medical and consumer items such as bath… Read more

Most read

Understanding Latex Allergy

Understanding Latex Allergy

Have you ever felt the sensation of itching or burning as soon as you come into contact with rubber gloves? Does your throat begin to close up when you try to blow air into a balloon? Can a simple stethoscope check make your heartbeat regular and bring on a bout of nausea? If you have experienced any of these issues you may be allergic to latex. Latex is a common constituent of several medical and consumer items such as bath…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

Most read

Living With a Peanut Allergy

4 minutes

06 Apr 2023

Living With a Peanut Allergy

Being allergic to peanuts is one of the most frequent causes of life-threatening allergic reactions. Those who are allergic to peanuts may have a severe reaction to even the smallest untraceable amounts of peanuts(anaphylaxis). Child peanut allergies have been on the rise. If you or your child is suffering from peanut allergies and you are trying to incorporate changes to make your life easier then this guide is for you! If you are allergic to peanuts then you have an… Read more

Living With a Peanut Allergy

Living With a Peanut Allergy

Being allergic to peanuts is one of the most frequent causes of life-threatening allergic reactions. Those who are allergic to peanuts may have a severe reaction to even the smallest untraceable amounts of peanuts(anaphylaxis). Child peanut allergies have been on the rise. If you or your child is suffering from peanut allergies and you are trying to incorporate changes to make your life easier then this guide is for you! If you are allergic to peanuts then you have an…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

Lactose Intolerance

4 minutes

15 Aug 2023

Lactose Intolerance

Is it common for you to experience bad gas, bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps after eating cheese or consuming a glass of milk? If so, you may be lactose intolerant. The manifestations of this condition may be embarrassing and put you into tough situations. However, with proper precaution and care you can save yourself from being caught with an egg on your face. The science behind it.. The sugar found in milk is called lactose. Lactase is an enzyme, made… Read more

Most read

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance

Is it common for you to experience bad gas, bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps after eating cheese or consuming a glass of milk? If so, you may be lactose intolerant. The manifestations of this condition may be embarrassing and put you into tough situations. However, with proper precaution and care you can save yourself from being caught with an egg on your face. The science behind it.. The sugar found in milk is called lactose. Lactase is an enzyme, made…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

15 Aug 2023

Most read

Checkout some healthy recipes that taste good, approved by our nutritionists

View all
Understanding Metabolism

Vegetable Spring Roll

Crunchy parcels filled with vibrant veggies rolled into golden perfection!

15 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Veg Kurma

An aromatic medley of vegetables in a luscious coconut-based gravy.

13 INGREDIENTS

|

45 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Lauki Chana Dal

A wholesome preparation of tender bottle gourd with protein-rich split Bengal gram, cooked in a fragrant blend of spices and herbs.

15 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Channa Saag

A nourishing meal that combines tender chickpeas with vibrant spinach, cooked in a fragrant blend of spices and herbs.

16 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Methi Dal

A flavorful and nutritious combination of lentils and aromatic fenugreek leaves.

16 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Rajma Masala

A comfort food classic featuring tender kidney beans cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato-based gravy, infused with aromatic spices.

17 INGREDIENTS

|

45 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Methi Thepla

Savoury flatbreads that are delicious to enjoy as a snack any time of the day.

8 INGREDIENTS

|

15 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Moong Dal Methi Sabzi

A nutrient dense & delicious dry preparation of fresh fenugreek and split green gram tossed with spices.

9 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Chicken Barley Soup

A nutrient dense soup with an additional protein boost.

9 INGREDIENTS

|

90 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Soft Chicken Bites

A deliciously seasoned high protein option that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal

9 INGREDIENTS

|

45 MINS.

View all