It’s a seemingly normal bee sting. Ouch! That is until your throat starts swelling and you just can’t breathe. In fact, you feel like you’re going to pass out. You’re quickly rushed to the hospital where you learn two shocking details. You are deathly allergic to bees, and you could have gone into anaphylactic shock. As a result, you will have to carry epinephrine with you for the rest of your life.
This story may sound dramatic, but it’s not. The truth is that many people have allergies to simple things like bee stings. And some of these allergies could become life-threatening.
That’s because an allergic reaction can lead to a terrifying reality called anaphylaxis.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.” This reaction can happen within seconds to minutes of encountering an allergen.
So why does this happen?
When anaphylaxis occurs, the immune system releases chemicals to combat the reaction. Consequently, the blood pressure drops. In addition, the airways constrict. And that’s what causes anaphylactic shock.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include airway constriction, shock with a severe drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, and dizziness/lightheadedness or loss of consciousness. Treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine.
Following are six common causes of anaphylactic shock.
Penicillin
According to the World Allergy Organization (WAO), penicillin is the most common cause of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis occurs in “one to five per 10,000 cases of penicillin therapy.” That said, 90 percent of patients with a history of allergies to penicillin or similar medications are not truly allergic.
Penicillin allergy occurs when your immune system gets confused. In other words, it incorrectly assumes that penicillin is harmful -- like a virus. Consequently, your body may develop antibodies to the drug itself.
Fast forward to your next round of penicillin, and these antibodies give it an automatic red flag. That’s when chemicals are released, and an allergic reaction results.
Though symptoms often appear within an hour of taking this medication, they may appear many hours to weeks later. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include skin rash, hives, itching, fever, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes and anaphylaxis.
Doctors can use a skin test to determine possible allergies to penicillin. If you are allergic, healthcare providers will discontinue treatment with penicillin and may prescribe antihistamines and corticosteroids. In the case of anaphylaxis, epinephrine will be administered.
Peanuts
According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), peanuts are a common cause of food allergy. An allergic reaction to peanuts happens when the body misidentifies this common food as harmful. As a result, it releases chemicals into the system.
According to FARE, peanut allergies tend to last a lifetime. But research shows that about 20 percent of kids who are diagnosed with this type of allergy can outgrow it.
Exposure occurs in many ways, including direct ingestion of peanuts, skin contact, cross contamination due to processing or cooking equipment, and inhalation of peanut dust or spray items containing peanuts.
Though peanuts differ from tree nuts, allergies may cross over. Research shows that 25 to 40 percent of people who are allergic to peanuts are also are allergic to tree nuts.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to peanuts include runny nose, hives, redness or swelling, itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat, digestive problems, tightening of the throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing.
Treatment of severe peanut allergies resulting in anaphylaxis is epinephrine. If you know that you are allergic, be very cautious of what you eat. Traces of peanuts can hide in many common foods, so read labels thoroughly to see if there is a warning.
Shellfish
A shellfish allergy is caused by an immune system response to the proteins found in shellfish, according to the Mayo Clinic. Shellfish that may cause a reaction include marine animals with shells like shrimp, crab, oysters and lobster. In addition, octopus, squid and scallops may be of concern.
Shellfish allergies are found in more adult women than men. However, this allergy is more common in boys than girls when it comes to children.
Symptoms of an allergy to shellfish include hives, itching or eczema, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat or other parts of the body, wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, and tingling in the mouth.
If you are allergic to shellfish, be cautious in what you eat. Avoid any foods that may contain traces of shellfish. And always ask about ingredients when eating out.
Latex
Latex allergies have been the center of many medical conversations in recent years. That’s because they have become more common among those in the healthcare field.
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), latex is a sap that comes from rubber trees. It is then combined with chemicals to add the stretchy quality that we find in latex gloves.
Latex can be found in many things. That’s why you need to be aware of products that contain latex if you do have an allergy.
Some of these items include gloves, condoms, party balloons, erasers, rubber bands and even common toys.
Further, about half of those who are allergic to latex have other allergies. This comes in the form of allergies to foods that include chestnuts, kiwi, bananas, avocado and tomatoes.
So just why are some allergic to latex?
Latex allergies occur when the human body thinks that latex is an allergen. These allergies are common among those who regularly encounter latex products (like healthcare professionals).
The only surefire way to avoid a reaction is to steer clear of latex. Luckily, there are other options for gloves like vinyl and nitrile. That said, be sure to alert healthcare providers of your condition -- even if it is noted in your records.
In addition, there’s something you need to be aware of if you are sexually active. Though natural skin condoms offer a latex-free option, they do not protect against HIV and other STDs.
Further, if you are allergic to latex and at risk of anaphylaxis, you should carry an auto-injectable epinephrine pen at all times.
Bee Stings
A simple bee sting can turn tragic for many. But why does this happen? According to the Mayo Clinic, “Bee sting venom contains proteins that affect skin cells and the immune system, causing pain and swelling around the sting area. In people with a bee sting allergy, bee venom can trigger a more serious immune system reaction.”
It is important to know that those who experience an allergic reaction to bee stings have a 30 to 60 percent chance of anaphylaxis if they’re stung again.
Signs and symptoms of a reaction to a bee sting include hives, itching and flushed or pale skin, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, a weak or rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, dizziness or fainting, and loss of consciousness.
Be aware of the possibility of multiple stings. A chance encounter with a beehive may cause a toxic reaction.
Symptoms of this type of a toxic reaction include: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, headache, vertigo, feeling faint or fainting, convulsions, and fever. Children, older adults, and people who have heart or breathing problems need to be extra cautious.
If you are concerned, skin and blood tests can detect an allergy to bee stings. Consider asking your health care provider to test for allergies to yellow jackets, hornets and wasps.
Treatment for severe allergic reactions may include: epinephrine, oxygen, IV antihistamines and cortisone, and a beta agonist like albuterol. Further, your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector that you will need to carry with you at all times. Experts also advise those affected to wear a bracelet that identifies the allergy.
Snake Bites
Though this isn’t necessarily a common cause of anaphylaxis, it can be a cause. And it’s fascinating, so we had to add it to the list.
Experts say that nearly 45,000 snakebites take place per year in the United States. Between 7,000 and 8,000 of these bites will be poisonous. Interestingly, most bites and nearly all deaths are caused by rattlesnakes (followed by copperheads and cottonmouths). Of those cases, about five people will die. That said, proper medical care accounts for the low death toll.
Signs and symptoms of a snake bite include puncture marks, redness and swelling on or around the bite, pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, visual impairment, salivation, sweating, and numbness or tingling around the face or limbs.
If you are bitten, try to remember specific details about the snake -- like color and shape. Remain calm -- panicking can spread venom faster. Further, if you cannot get to the hospital immediately, make it a point to lay or sit with the bite below heart level. And if you can, wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with dressing.
In the case of a snakebite, the CDC strongly advises doing the following:
· Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it.
· Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention.
· Do not apply a tourniquet.
· Do not slash the wound with a knife.
· Do not suck out the venom.
· Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
· Do not drink alcohol as a painkiller.
· Do not drink caffeinated beverages.