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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffAn anaphylactic reaction is most likely to occur in susceptible people who've been stung by an insect, eaten something they're allergic to, or taken a medication that they are sensitive to. Even if you've only had a mild allergic reaction in the past, you still may be at risk of anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. In rare cases, anaphylaxis occurs more than half an hour after exposure. Anaphylaxis symptoms include:
- Skin reactions including hives and itching, flushed or pale skin (almost always present with anaphylaxis)
- Constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing
- A weak and rapid pulse
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Dizziness or fainting
When to see a doctor
If you or someone you're with has a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or seek emergency medical help. If the person having the attack carries an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen, EpiPen Jr or Twinject), give him or her a shot right away. Even if symptoms improve after an emergency epinephrine injection, a visit to the emergency department is still necessary to make sure symptoms don't return.
If you had a severe allergy attack or any signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis in the past, make an appointment to see your doctor. Evaluation, diagnosis and long-term management of anaphylaxis are complicated, so you'll probably need to see a doctor who specializes in allergies and immunology.
