Anaphylaxis & Severe Allergic Reactions
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can progress quickly and requires immediate emergency treatment. After the emergency has passed, allergy evaluation can help identify likely triggers and guide future prevention and preparedness. At Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland, our team evaluates children and adults with a history of severe allergic reactions.
Emergency Reactions
If you believe you or someone else is experiencing anaphylaxis, use prescribed epinephrine if available and
seek emergency medical care immediately.
This webpage is not a substitute for emergency treatment.
What Is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction that can affect multiple body systems. Symptoms may begin within minutes after exposure, although timing can vary.
Common symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Throat tightness or swelling
- Tongue or lip swelling
- Widespread hives or flushing
- Vomiting or severe abdominal symptoms
- Dizziness, weakness or fainting
- A rapid combination of symptoms involving more than one body system
Common Triggers
- Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, egg or other allergens
- Insect stings
- Medications
- Latex
- Other triggers based on individual history
Why Epinephrine Matters
Epinephrine is the first-line emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. Patients who are prescribed epinephrine should know when and how to use it and should seek emergency medical care after administration according to their emergency plan.
What Happens After an Anaphylactic Reaction?
Follow-up evaluation focuses on identifying the likely trigger, reviewing the reaction history, determining whether allergy testing is appropriate, and helping the patient prepare for possible future exposure.
Testing After a Severe Reaction
Testing depends on the suspected trigger and may include food allergy testing, venom allergy testing, medication-allergy evaluation, or other targeted testing. Broad testing without a clear history may not be helpful.
Prevention and Preparedness
Long-term management may include avoiding confirmed triggers, reading labels, carrying prescribed emergency medication, communicating with schools or caregivers, and considering immunotherapy when appropriate for certain venom allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about anaphylaxis and when to see an allergist.
Still have a question?
Call our office and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about treatments, scheduling, or anything else.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can involve breathing, circulation, skin and gastrointestinal symptoms and requires immediate emergency treatment.
What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?
Epinephrine is the first-line emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.
Can food allergies cause anaphylaxis?
Yes. Foods are a common trigger of anaphylaxis.
Can insect stings cause anaphylaxis?
Yes. Venom from stinging insects can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitized patients.
Should I see an allergist after anaphylaxis?
Yes. Follow-up allergy evaluation can help identify likely triggers and guide testing, avoidance and emergency planning.
Can anaphylaxis happen without hives?
Yes. A severe allergic reaction can occur even when hives are absent.
Schedule an Allergy Evaluation
If these symptoms or concerns are affecting you or your child, our team can help determine whether allergy or immunology evaluation is appropriate and create an individualized care plan.
Phone: (240) 531-2902
