Resource Center

Learn more about Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is one of the most severe types of allergic reactions. Although it can be quite frightening, especially the first time you have a reaction to an allergy that you may not even know you have, most allergies can be managed well and do not need to interfere with your daily life. By seeing an allergist, you can learn more about how to avoid allergens and explore treatment options that meet your needs.

WHAT IS ANAPHYLAXIS?

Anaphylaxis is a type of severe reaction that is caused by exposure to certain types of allergens. Although a wide variety of allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, peanuts and bee stings are among the most common causes of potentially life-threatening reactions. Other food and insect allergies can also cause anaphylaxis, as can latex allergies. Certain types of exercise can also trigger anaphylaxis, although this is uncommon.

SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHYLAXIS

Anaphylaxis is particularly well known for causing significant breathing difficulties that require immediate treatment shortly after exposure to an allergen. Other common symptoms include an increased pulse, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and a skin rash. Extremely severe anaphylaxis cases may completely stop breathing or the heart.

RISK FACTORS FOR ANAPHYLAXIS

Having severe allergies is the main risk factor for anaphylaxis. It is not uncommon for reactions to worsen over time, and future reactions may become more severe or more frequent than past ones. Anaphylaxis can also occur in individuals with severe asthma, heart disease, and other conditions, although this is less common. Having a family history of severe allergies can also increase your risk of anaphylaxis. Having allergy testing done by an allergist can be a proactive way to identify allergies if you aren't sure what is causing a reaction or are unaware that you have them at all to be prepared for a possible severe reaction before it happens.

At Allergy & Asthma Care of Waco, we care about helping patients in the Waco, Texas area manage severe allergies to minimize the risk of anaphylaxis while living a normal life. Contact us today to learn more about the services our allergists offer or to schedule an appointment!

You might also look for

Hereditary and Acquired Angioedema

Angioedema is a rare condition that causes swelling beneath the skin. It can be a lifelong hereditary condition, or you may develop it later in life. At AllergyWaco, we are here to help you learn more about possible treatment options to help control the symptoms and frequency of your angioedema attacks to minimize the condition's impact on your life.

Stinging Insect Allergy

Bees, wasps, and hornets are a less-than-fun part of Texas summers. No one wants to be stung by a bee or other insect, but people who are allergic need to be especially cautious around them. Fortunately, seeing an allergist can help you manage your allergy to minimize potentially life-threatening reactions.

Chronic and Acute Urticaria

If you have certain medication, food, or other allergies, you may have experienced urticaria in the past. Urticaria, which is another name for hives, is a type of allergic reaction that causes itchy skin. Although urticaria is no fun, most cases don't last very long.

Learn more about Allergies and Asthma

Oak Pollen Alert: 4 Practical Tips for a Sneeze-Free Allergy Season

The spring season brings warmth, blooming flowers, and, for many, the onset of oak pollen. If you find yourself dreading the arrival of spring because of sneezing, itchy, runny nose and other symptoms that come with oak pollen allergies, you're not alone. Millions of people, or 30% of Americans, share your plight.

The Difference Between Food Allergies and Food Intolerances

Being uncomfortable is never a good feeling, regardless of what it's caused by. When you feel that type of unease, your body may feel tired or itchy, or a million other ways. If it's caused by allergies or intolerances, it's something you can pinpoint and avoid as needed. Additionally and fortunately, those uncomfortable feelings are acting as little alerts to let you know that something isn't right.

Environmental Allergies in Children

Many children are excited because the school year is about to start up again and these next few weeks will be their best days of summer. With the free time coming to a close, families are eager to spend time outside, away from computers and other electronics. But for anyone dealing with seasonal environmental allergies, being outdoors can lead to sneezing, asthma attacks, and even rashes.

6 Skin Allergy Conditions and Their Treatments

Allergies come in many different forms, ranging from mild reactions treatable with some quick over-the-counter medications, to others that can be severe and even lethal. While the worst case scenario is scary, there are ways to monitor and prevent potentially life-threatening reactions. Most commonly, you'll be facing much lighter, more treatable allergens. These can often be painful to deal with but won't necessarily result in risking your life.

Teal Pumpkin Project (Food Allergy Reasearch and Education - FARE)

Check out Dr. Gharfeh's segment with KCEN earlier this week on the importance of spreading food allergy awareness this Halloween.

Food Allergy Key Concepts

Even as the prevalence of food allergy is increasing (up to 8% of kids in the US have a food allergy), it seems that the myths surrounding food allergy are also increasing. One of the things I love about my job as an allergy fellow is helping patients and their families work through these myths and establish true allergy versus intolerance.

See all articles

Ready to get started with Allergy & Asthma Care of Waco?

Our primary goal is to improve your quality of life. We find what triggers your allergy and asthma symptoms, provide extensive education on how to control exposure to allergens, and provide you with a holistic approach with treatment options such as medications and immunotherapy (allergy injections).