Anaphylaxis
This page explains what anaphylaxis is, how Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. evaluates it, and how we help you prepare for and manage severe allergic reactions.
Anaphylaxis Is a Medical Emergency
If you or someone with you has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector, use it right away. Call 911 immediately after.
Do not wait to hear back from our office. A reaction happening now needs 911, not a phone call to us.
What Anaphylaxis Is
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. It comes on quickly and affects more than one part of the body at once.
Because it can involve breathing, circulation, skin and the digestive system together, it is treated differently from a milder, localized allergic reaction.
Symptoms to Watch For
These are common signs of anaphylaxis. If you notice any of these, treat it as an emergency.
Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
Swelling of the throat, tongue or lips
Widespread hives or flushing
A sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness or collapse
Stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhea alongside other symptoms
A feeling that something is seriously wrong
How We Evaluate It
Once a reaction has settled, we work with you to understand what caused it. We use these methods:
A Full History
After a reaction has settled, we talk with you about what happened, what you were exposed to, and your symptoms.
A Physical Examination
A hands-on exam helps us understand your reaction and rule out other causes.
Allergy Skin Testing, Where Relevant
If an allergy may be involved, we may recommend allergy skin testing to help identify the trigger.
Blood Testing, Where Appropriate
In some cases, blood testing can help us understand what caused your reaction.
How We Help You Prepare
Once we understand what caused your reaction, we focus on helping you prepare for the future:
Identifying What Caused the Reaction
We work with you to identify the trigger behind your reaction.
Avoiding That Trigger
Once we know the trigger, we help you understand how to avoid it going forward.
Prescribing an Adrenaline Auto-Injector
If appropriate, we prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector and show you how and when to use it.
Writing an Emergency Action Plan
We put together an emergency action plan you can share with family, school or work.
Talk to Us About Anaphylaxis
Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. has four New Jersey offices, with evening and Saturday hours, to help you prepare for and manage severe allergic reactions.
Four New Jersey offices, with evening and Saturday hours.
A reaction happening now is an emergency. Call 911 — don't wait to call our office.