Anaphylaxis or Allergic Asthma?

[crystalfresh]

Since during a severe allergy response oxygen is also restricted because of allergy induced asthma which is very different than if the blood vessels are constricting.

I am guessing:
Allergy induced Asthma-higher or normal blood pressure.
Aanaphylactic-lower blood pressure.

Is there anything else to differ between a Systemic Allergy that includes asthma from an Anaphylactic reaction? Or do I have this all wrong and Systemic allergy that includes asthma is already anaphylactic?

But I thought allergy could trigger asthma with out being anaphylactic?

As you can see I am very lost. I am under the impression anaphylactic is only a blood pressure drop from vessle restriction. Emergency self treatment is also the same for both. So there is no liability risk in answering this question. I would like to know how to classify these two reactions when a blood pressure meter is not available.

As you can tell I am still trying to learn what these things are. Thank you for your opinions. I could not find any information online how to tell the difference between the two with out a blood pressure meter.

What makes this really really hard in some cases is when a person has anxiety since that will speed up their pulse. That's when blood pressure is very important. Anaphylactic reaction would be one step for the worst since that person has to deal with low blood pressure as an added problem. Does it sound like I understand this properly? If not PLEASE CORRECT ME. Thank you.

[crystalfresh]

Treatment I currently use is,
1. Antihistamine
2. Bronchial dilator and other meds if needed to keep air way clear..

If not bringing under control or symptons show dangerous pressure drop,
3. Epinephran and call 911, seek help.

So if 1+2 were able to slow and reverse and treat the reaction does that out rule it as possible anaphylaxis too?

[crystalfresh]

For example. After I am stung by a wasp I get Asthma and other wonderful reactions a few minutes later. Would that be Systemic or Anaphylactic? I don't know my blood pressure when that happens.

[chizzle]

I believe anaphylactic reactions & systemic reactions are the same. A systemic reaction would be defined as a reaction that has effect on multiple organ systems on the body - respiratory, the skin, cardiovascular, and sometimes digestive. A reaction that is considered anaphylactic is also described this way. If you come into contact with an allergen and the only reaction you have is breathing problems than I wouldn't classify it as a systemic reaction, or anaphylaxis. As for your question about the wasp sting, I would say it would depending on whether or not your have other symptoms associated along w/ it.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

'Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic (multi-system) and severe Type I Hypersensitivity allergic reaction in humans and other mammals. Minute amounts of allergens may cause a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis may occur after ingestion, skin contact, injection of an allergen or, in rare cases, inhalation.'

You could read more about the condition at the following links -

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/TOPIC25.HTM

and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaphylaxis

'Asthma is a chronic condition involving the respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict, become inflamed, and are lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers.'

You could read more about this at the following link -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asthma

Let us know if you need any further information.

Regards.

[crystalfresh]

Thank you. I understand more of the onset of the reaction leading to the result. I would say that I only experienced an Anaphylaxis reaction very very few times then.

The other reaction I have is generic. As long as the allergen is present I will have severe mucus production in volumes doctors have never seen before and asthma that will keep getting worst if not treated. Both are easily treated with a combination of meds. There is a feeling of muscle cramping in my chest but I can't figure out if that is part of the asthma swelling or strain from trying to breath so hard. That cramping feeling is in the center chest so it is not my heart. It's all related to the breathing difficulty. I guess it doesn't matter why it's feel that way. I just like having answers.

It's strange how an allergen can enter my body anywhere through my skin and produce asthma and this mucus reaction. I am guessing that all this shares a common thing as elevated histamine or igE in the blood when I am exposed. So that must be my trigger not actual contact with allergen. This would not even be systemic then.

I have had systemic reactions that involved, full purple body rash, swelling of sting area, pounding heart, muscle cramping, and all the above reactions too. This would be systemic. If I start having trouble walking or standing due to loss of pressure feeling I'd guess anaphylaxis is starting. There are probably more reactions but I'm usually too busy taking meds to worry about what is going on.

I think I got it now and understand when it happens to me. I don't think I could tell on someone else.

Thank you.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad the post was of some help to you.

What you could do is consult an allergy specialist and a chest specialist to find out the definite diagnosis in your case.

You would need to get an allergy