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Sub-Category:

Anaphylaxis

Number of Conditions: 1

Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Anaphylaxis

Symptoms:
difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives or rash; rapid or weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; dizziness or fainting; loss of consciousness

Root Cause:
An overreaction of the immune system to an allergen (e.g., food, insect stings, or medications) leading to widespread histamine release, causing severe inflammation and systemic effects.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical presentation and patient history of exposure to allergens; skin or blood tests may identify specific allergens.

Treatment:
Immediate administration of epinephrine (via EpiPen), followed by antihistamines, corticosteroids, and emergency medical care. Long-term management includes allergen avoidance and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.

Medications:
Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q), antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine ), and corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Anaphylaxis affects 1-2% of the population; prevalence is increasing, particularly among children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of allergies, asthma, prior anaphylactic reactions, family history of allergies, and exposure to common triggers like peanuts, shellfish, or insect stings.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment, but recurrent episodes may occur without appropriate allergen avoidance.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe airway obstruction, cardiovascular collapse, shock, and death if untreated.