Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can develop within minutes of exposure to a trigger. Knowing how to spot the early signs and respond right away is essential.

At Allergy & Asthma Associates of Michigan, our board-certified Allergy & Immunology physicians help identify your triggers, create a personalized prevention plan, and ensure you know exactly what to do in an emergency. If you’ve experienced anaphylaxis, you may be referred to our team for ongoing evaluation and to reduce future risk.

If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction — or think you may be at risk — schedule an evaluation today.

Causes of anaphylaxis vary by individual. Understanding your personal triggers is crucial to avoiding potentially dangerous situations. Common triggers include:

• Food allergies — Peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, milk, and eggs are frequent culprits, but any food can trigger a reaction.
• Medications — Many antibiotic classes can cause anaphylaxis, but any medication has the potential to trigger a severe allergic reaction.
• Venom from stings — Bee, wasp, hornet, or fire ant stings can result in dangerous reactions in people sensitive to insect venom.
• Latex products — Exposure to latex can provoke a serious response in those with latex sensitivity.
• Exercise-induced allergies — Rarely, physical activity after eating certain foods (such as wheat) or after specific environmental exposures can trigger anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis can cause a combination of symptoms that appear suddenly and worsen rapidly, including:

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Hives, itching, or flushing
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• A sense of impending doom or confusion
• Low blood pressure or loss of consciousness

Immediate medical attention is essential — even if symptoms seem to improve after using an epinephrine injector.

Diagnosis begins with a thorough review of your reaction history and any suspected triggers. We may recommend:

• Allergy testing to identify specific triggers such as foods, medications, or insect venom
• Skin or blood testing for confirmation when indicated
• Venom testing if insect stings are suspected causes
• Evaluation of medication allergies for antibiotics, pain relievers, or other drug reactions
• Assessment for idiopathic anaphylaxis when no clear cause is found

We’ll help determine what triggered your reaction — and how to prevent it in the future.

The primary approach for severe allergic reactions focuses on emergency preparedness and long-term prevention. Based on your diagnosis, we may recommend:

• Epinephrine auto-injectors or intranasal epinephrine (Neffy) — rapid, first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. We’ll prescribe and train you to use these devices correctly.
• Emergency action plans — written guidance for recognizing early symptoms and responding quickly in different settings (home, school, or work).
• Medication review and avoidance counseling — to help prevent exposure to known drug or food triggers.
• Venom immunotherapy — allergy shots that desensitize you to bee, wasp, hornet, or fire ant stings and reduce future risk of anaphylaxis by up to 80–90%.
• Allergen immunotherapy — for environmental allergies that contribute to asthma or respiratory symptoms, helping lower overall sensitivity.
• Family education and training — to ensure loved ones or caregivers know how to respond during a reaction.

We’ll work with you to build a plan that prioritizes safety, prevention, and peace of mind.