Treatment for anaphylaxis involves the use of epinephrine auto-injectors as well as other treatments depending on the severity of the reaction. Most patients require only a single dose of epinephrine to stop the progression of anaphylaxis; however, additional doses may be necessary and follow-up medical care should be sought out to ensure proper recovery. Anaphylaxis is an emergency and emergency medical help should be sought out immediately.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Testing and Diagnosis of Anaphylaxis

The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is usually made by a healthcare provider based on the recognition of symptoms and risk factors. A complete medical history should be taken to identify any prior episodes of anaphylaxis. Physical examination may also be performed to assess for signs and symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure. Furthermore, laboratory tests may be ordered to help determine if there is an underlying cause related to the reaction (e.g., elevated IgE levels). If necessary, skin testing can also be conducted to identify specific allergens that may have caused the reaction.

Management of anaphylaxis requires prompt recognition and treatment with epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens). Once administered, patients should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency facility for further care and management. Allergy specialists can also provide advice on how best to manage future episodes along with providing information about prevention through proper diagnosis and avoidance of triggers. It is important for practices to recognize this condition in order to appropriately treat it in order to prevent life-threatening episodes in those who suffer from anaphylaxis.

Long-Term Management Strategies for Chronic Anaphylaxis

For those who suffer from chronic anaphylaxis, long-term management strategies should be developed in order to prevent future episodes and provide the best possible care. Healthcare providers should educate individuals on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic responses in order to seek prompt medical attention when necessary. It is also important for patients to avoid known allergens which can trigger anaphylaxis and carry medication such as epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) for emergency use if necessary.

Patients with chronic allergies should also work closely with their healthcare providers in order to develop an individualized treatment plan. This may include recommendations on allergen avoidance, lifestyle modifications, or the use of medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids in order to reduce allergy symptoms associated with their condition. In addition, regular follow-up visits with medical professionals are essential for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment accordingly if needed.

It is also important for healthcare providers to identify any comorbidities which could complicate the patient’s response to an allergic reaction. For example, those with asthma may have more severe reactions than those without this condition due to airway constriction that can occur during a reaction. Therefore, it is vital that these patients receive proper education and guidance regarding their diagnosis as well as long-term management strategies for the prevention of future episodes of anaphylaxis.

Why Choose Our Specialists?

• Dr. Elias Akl, is a distinguished allergist and immunologist based in Philadelphia. He holds board certifications in Allergy and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine, showcasing his expertise in multiple medical disciplines. Dr. Akl is not only board-certified in internal medicine but also a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (FAAAAI). 
• Dr. Kathryn Edwards, Director of Allergy & Immunology at The Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy Center, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, food allergies, skin conditions, and asthma. She is a highly trained physician with extensive experience in the military, where she served as a pediatrician and chief of Allergy/Immunology. Dr. Edwards provides care for patients of all ages, from neonates to geriatrics.
• Dr. Naba Sharif is a highly skilled board-certified Allergist and Immunologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating allergies, including environmental and seasonal allergies, food allergies, and asthma. She received her medical degree from SUNY at Stony Brook School of Medicine, completed a Pediatrics residency at Hasbro Children’s Hospital of Brown University, and pursued a fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. She practiced as a Pediatrician and Allergist-Immunologist at Kaiser Permanente in Washington DC, was recognized as a Top Doctor by Washingtonian Magazine from 2016 to 2020, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Dr. Sharif is committed to community service, health education, empowerment, and advocacy for the underprivileged.
• Dr. Jamie Zacharias is a highly accomplished and board-certified Allergist and Immunologist hailing from South Jersey. She pursued her education in her hometown, graduating from Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, and furthered her academic journey by earning her bachelor’s and medical degrees from Drexel University and the College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Zacharias continued her medical training with an Internal Medicine internship and residency at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann University Hospital. Following this, she completed a comprehensive Allergy and Immunology fellowship at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where she actively engaged in asthma research, particularly focusing on patient demographics and phenotyping. Dr. Zacharias holds memberships in esteemed organizations such as the Pennsylvania Allergy and Asthma Association, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Her specialization encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, including asthma, immunodeficiencies, seasonal and environmental allergies, allergic reactions (including drug and food allergies), and skin conditions such as hives and eczema. Dr. Zacharias is dedicated to providing care across a wide age spectrum, from pediatric to geriatric patients, and she is excited to contribute to the well-being of her community where she has deep roots.