Symptoms of Allergic Reaction:
Allergic reactions caused by food can affect various body systems - the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and cardiovascular systems are usually affected within minutes of ingestion, but may also be delayed. Ingestion occurs through direct contact with mucous membranes in the eye, nose, mouth, etc. Food reactions can range in severity, some being mild, and the most severe reactions causing anaphylaxis.
A combination of two (2) or more mild symptoms OR only one (1) severe symptom may be an indicator of anaphylaxis and immediate emergency treatment is necessary! Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction and life-threatening since it rapidly affects more than one body system (systemic).
Mild Symptoms may include:
Itchy mouth
A few localized hives
Mild nausea/stomach discomfort
Sneezing/congestion/runny nose
Odd taste in mouth
Uterine contractions
Severe Symptoms (anaphylaxis) may include:
Trouble swallowing
Shortness of breath
Obstructive or significant swelling (tongue/lips/throat)
Drop in blood pressure (dizzy, faint, pale, blue)
Widespread hives or redness
Repetitive or projectile vomiting
Severe diarrhea
*Always follow your doctor’s advice on treating a reaction.
A combination of two (2) or more mild symptoms OR only one (1) severe symptom may be an indicator of anaphylaxis and immediate emergency treatment is necessary! Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction and life-threatening since it rapidly affects more than one body system (systemic).
Mild Symptoms may include:
Itchy mouth
A few localized hives
Mild nausea/stomach discomfort
Sneezing/congestion/runny nose
Odd taste in mouth
Uterine contractions
Severe Symptoms (anaphylaxis) may include:
Trouble swallowing
Shortness of breath
Obstructive or significant swelling (tongue/lips/throat)
Drop in blood pressure (dizzy, faint, pale, blue)
Widespread hives or redness
Repetitive or projectile vomiting
Severe diarrhea
*Always follow your doctor’s advice on treating a reaction.
What is a Biphasic Reaction?
A person with biphasic anaphylaxis has a reaction that resolves and then recurs again hours later without further exposure to the trigger. The second wave of symptoms is known as the biphasic reaction and can be less severe than, equally severe as, or more severe than the initial reaction, ranging from mild symptoms to a fatality. Individuals should always be monitored for up to 72 hours after initial reaction begins.
SOURCE:
FARE website at http://www.foodallergy.org
Asthma and Allergy Foundation at http://www.aafa.org
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at http://www.acaai.org
Website information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care.
First created 2012, last updated 2014
