What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a life threatening reaction to any of the following: certain foods (peanuts/tree nuts, dairy products, shellfish, soy, sesame seeds, wheat), sulphites, medication, insect stings, latex, or exercise.
It is estimated that approximately 600,000 Canadians may be affected with potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. In recent years anaphylaxis has increased dramatically among children.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis may include the following:

• hives
• swelling and or itchiness of tongue, lips, eyes, face, body
• flushing of face, neck
• tightness of throat and/or chest
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• change of voice
• coughing, wheezing and/or choking
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps
• paleness, loss of colour
• dizziness, faintness
• sense of doom
• sudden drop in blood pressure, collapse, loss of consciousness
• coma, respiratory failure

Please seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.