Avoiding anaphylaxis this summer
The AAAAI offers tips to stay safe

MILWAUKEE-For some people, one bite of the wrong food or being stung by a wasp hiding in a soda can, can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis kills hundreds of people each year, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

"Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that may involve the entire body," said Gordon L. Sussman, MD, FAAAAI, and chair of the AAAAI Anaphylaxis Committee. "It can result in trouble breathing, loss of consciousness and even death. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment and follow-up care by an allergist/immunologist."

Common anaphylaxis triggers include food, stinging insects and exercise. It has been estimated that up to 15% of the population is at risk for anaphylaxis, and each year about 40 people die after an anaphylactic reaction to insect stings. About 100 people die from reactions to food. Below are tips to help avoid these triggers this summer.

If you have ever had problems breathing, chest tightness, trouble swallowing, nausea, or itchy mouth, throat or eyes, after being stung or eating a certain food, consult an allergist/immunologist for evaluation and to develop a management plan.

Food
Up to 2 million, or 8%, of children, and 2% of adults in the United States are estimated to have food allergies. The most common food allergens are the proteins in cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and tree nuts. When eating away from home this summer, remember the following:

• Avoid the food you are allergic to.
• Ask about ingredients to avoid eating a "hidden" food allergen.
• Read food labels.
• Be prepared for emergencies by always carrying auto-injectable epinephrine.

Insects
For people with a severe venom allergy, stings may be life-threatening. Follow these tips to avoid stinging insects:

• Stay away from areas that the insects inhabit, this includes hives, nests and ant hills.
• Hire a trained exterminator to destroy any hives and nests around your home.
• Move slowly when encountered by a flying insect, do not "swat" them.
• Avoid wearing bright colored clothing and heavy, sweet-scented perfume when outdoors.
• Keep all food and beverages covered until eaten.

Exercise
Summer is also a great time to be outside swimming, biking, playing ball or running. Although rare, exercise can also trigger anaphylaxis. It does not occur after every exercise session, and in some cases, only occurs after eating certain foods before exercise. For more information on exercise-induced anaphylaxis, visit www.aaaai.org or talk to your allergist/immunologist.

If you have severe allergies, or have ever experienced an anaphylactic reaction, remember to always carry injectable epinephrine and make sure someone around you knows how to administer it in case you are unable to. In addition, always call 911 or an emergency service.

When to see an allergy/asthma specialist
The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:

• Have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) without an obvious or previously defined trigger.
• Have had anaphylaxis attributed to food, drugs, or insect stings.
• Have had exercise-induced anaphylaxis or food-dependent exercise induced anaphylaxis.

To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to learn more about allergies and asthma, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information Line at (800) 822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at www.aaaai.org.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information and a physician referral directory through its Web site at www.aaaai.org.

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