Patient Education: Anaphylactic Shock (Anaphylaxis)

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It can affect your breathing, heart, skin, and other organs. If it is not treated immediately, it can be fatal.

Causes of Anaphylaxis

Common triggers include:

Foods: Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk
Medications: Antibiotics, aspirin, certain pain medicines
Insect stings or bites: Bees, wasps, hornets
Latex: Gloves or medical devices
Other triggers: Exercise combined with foods or unknown triggers

Signs and Symptoms

Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
Trouble breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness
Rapid heartbeat or weak pulse
Dizziness, fainting, or weakness
Rash, hives, or severe itching
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Note: Symptoms can appear within seconds to minutes after exposure.

Treatments of Anaphylaxis

Immediate treatment is critical:

Epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector:
- Use immediately at the first sign of severe reaction
- Inject into the outer thigh
Call 911 immediately after injection
Hospital care:
- Oxygen or IV fluids may be needed
- Antihistamines or steroids may be administered

Important: Do not wait to see if symptoms improve—they can worsen rapidly.

Risks of Anaphylaxis

Airway blockage: Swelling of throat or tongue can block breathing
Low blood pressure: Can cause dizziness, fainting, or shock
Death: Rapid treatment with epinephrine can prevent fatal outcomes

How to Reduce Risks and Manage Symptoms

Avoid known triggers: Always read food labels and ask about ingredients
Carry epinephrine: Have an auto-injector with you at all times
Wear a medical alert bracelet: Helps responders know about your allergy
Educate others: Family, friends, coworkers, and caregivers should know your triggers
Check medications: Ask your doctor or pharmacist about allergies before taking new medicines
Prepare an emergency plan: Know what to do if symptoms start

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

After any mild allergic reaction
After using epinephrine
To discuss prevention strategies
To ensure your epinephrine auto-injector is not expired

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Any severe allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling of throat/tongue, fainting, rapid heartbeat
After using epinephrine, even if you feel better
Multiple exposures or repeated reactions

Remember: Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately for severe symptoms.

Key Points to Remember

Anaphylaxis can happen quickly and be life-threatening
Always carry and know how to use your epinephrine auto-injector
Avoid triggers and educate people around you
Call 911 immediately if symptoms are severe
Follow up with your healthcare provider after any reaction

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

True or False: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction.

True or False: Only foods can cause anaphylaxis.

True or False: Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat is a sign of anaphylaxis.

True or False: You should wait to see if symptoms improve before using epinephrine.

True or False: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.

True or False: Call 911 immediately after using an epinephrine auto-injector.

True or False: Anaphylaxis can cause dizziness, fainting, or a weak pulse.

True or False: Mild itching is the only symptom of anaphylaxis.

True or False: People with severe allergies should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector.

True or False: Avoiding known triggers can help prevent anaphylaxis.

True or False: You do not need to go to the ER if you feel better after using epinephrine.

True or False: Medications, insect stings, and latex can all cause anaphylaxis.

True or False: Wearing a medical alert bracelet is recommended for people with severe allergies.

True or False: Anaphylaxis symptoms can develop within seconds to minutes.

True or False: It is safe to give someone epinephrine even if you are unsure whether it is anaphylaxis.

True or False: After any reaction that required epinephrine, you should follow up with your doctor.

True or False: Exercise and food together cannot trigger anaphylaxis.

True or False: Anaphylaxis can lower blood pressure and cause shock.

True or False: You should educate friends and caregivers about your allergies.

True or False: Epinephrine should be injected into the outer thigh.

Have you ever had a severe allergic reaction, and what triggered it?

Do you carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times, and do you know how to use it correctly?

Have you experienced swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing during a reaction?

How do you avoid your known triggers at home, work, or when eating out, and do you educate others about your allergy?