Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to allergens that can be life-threatening. Although it is relatively rare, affecting less than 1% of the population, the incidence of anaphylaxis has been increasing worldwide, including in Thailand, particularly in recent years. Despite this, many patients and parents do not seek medical advice, often due to a lack of awareness about the severity of the condition and insufficient prevention and treatment.
In children, food allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis, while in adults, it is usually triggered by medication. Other causes include insect stings, peanut allergies, wheat allergies, and latex allergies. The variety of foods causing severe allergic reactions has also increased, making it sometimes difficult to identify the cause.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include acute hives, facial swelling, swelling around the eyes, throat tightness, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, flushing, abdominal pain, vomiting, or fainting shortly after exposure to an allergen. These symptoms may occur simultaneously or individually and can be triggered by ingestion, inhalation, injection, or insect stings. If not treated properly, a patient may experience a recurrence of severe allergic reactions within 1 to 2 days.
Treatment for anaphylaxis involves avoiding known allergens, confirmed through allergy testing by a specialist. Patients should always carry emergency allergy medication, which can be administered at the first sign of symptoms before seeking medical attention. This is crucial as delays in treatment can lead to shock or other severe complications. Providing accurate medical history and information about past allergic reactions can help emergency physicians choose appropriate and timely treatments, reducing the severity of the reaction.
Prevention includes patient education about the dangers of anaphylaxis, proper self-care, and adherence to prescribed treatments. Some individuals may underestimate their allergy, leading to repeated exposure to allergens, which can be fatal.
