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Anaphylaxis. It’s More Than a Throat Closing. Let’s talk about it.

The word anaphylaxis comes from the greek root ana (contrary or to be against) and the greek root phylax (protection or to be on guard). Combine the two and you have contrary to protection- anaphylaxis. The term was created by Charles Richet and Paul Portier when they observed dogs becoming severely ill after a second exposure to sea anemone venom… which some of you may relate to- allergic reactions can become worse after every exposure.

When most people hear the word anaphylaxis, they picture someone’s throat closing and them gasping for air, clutching their throat, or breaking out in hives.

And yes- those symptoms absolutely can be part of it. They are absolutely the reality for some people with food allergies. But anaphylaxis is a much broader reaction escaltion than what we may imagine.

In fact, the definition of anaphylaxis was updated by the AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology) to reflect how this reaction actually shows up in the real world (also fun fact for you- the cool kids call AAAAI “quad A I” – sounds like quad ayyy eye. You’re welcome, I just helped you sound cooler the next time you’re talking to a bunch of medical professionals or fancy immunologists. No need to thank me. Just remember who got you there when you toss it out at your next roundtable or appointment).

Today, anaphylaxis is defined as a multi-system reaction; meaning if two or more body systems are reacting, it’s considered anaphylaxis. TWO.

That’s right: you do not need your throat to close, breathing to tank, or hives to cover every inch of your body for it to count as a life-threatening allergic reaction. Many of us with immunological rarities, may have already experienced episodes of anaphylaxis and dangerously self medicated to calm our episode, not knowing that epinephrine should’ve been our first line of defense for the reaction we were experiencing.

What “Two or More Body Systems” Actually Means

Anaphylaxis can involve combinations like:

• Skin: hives, itching, swelling, flushing
• Respiratory: coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, throat tightness
• Cardiovascular: dizziness, fainting, weak pulse, drop in blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and pain, sudden GI bleeding
• Neurological: confusion, sudden anxiety, a “doom” feeling

If more than one of these shows up after exposure to a known allergen- or even a new trigger you’ve never reacted to before– that’s enough to treat the reaction as anaphylaxis.

When In Doubt, Use the Epi

The updated guidelines are clear:
If two or more systems are involved, administer epinephrine immediately. Epinephrine isn’t a “big gun” that you should save for last.
It’s the first line of defense and the only medication proven to stop the progression of anaphylaxis. But here’s the part many people don’t realize:

Even when you use epinephrine quickly and correctly,
the reaction can still come back.
This is called a biphasic reaction, and it’s the reason you must go to the ER afterward, even if you start feeling better. We lose too many lives each year because people hesitate- either waiting for symptoms to get “bad enough,” or assuming anaphylaxis always looks dramatic.
Sometimes it doesn’t.
Sometimes the earliest symptoms are subtle. And sometimes the person experiencing them is so used to feeling sick that they dismiss the warning signs.

So please allow today and this very moment of you reading this blog post be all about giving you permission to take your symptoms seriously.
To trust your instincts.
To act quickly rather than cautiously.

Epinephrine is safe. Delay is not.

How 2 Not Die:
Anaphylaxis = two or more body systems reacting. TWO! This can be tummy and autonomic nervous system (sweating); dizziness + hives; if two body systems are otu of whack- Use the epi. I REPEAT, USE THE EPI.
Then get emergency care.
Your life is worth it.

Have the best, most beautiful, day!

Lauren

Hi friends! My name is Lauren. Thank you for being here and for making it this far. If you like what I’m doing here and want to support me/the blog – feel welcome to follow along on TikTok or Instagram. You’re also welcome to Buy Me a Cup of Coffee (isn’t that cool? I’m learning something new everyday!). Click around for some of the best resources I’ve found for food allergies, clinical trials, and drug info. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Im happy you’re here and happy you’re alive for another day. <3