Anaphylaxis is sometimes misdiagnosed as Acute Angioedema

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Acute Angioedema, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Anaphylaxis.

Treatment of anaphylaxis is divided into a short term, emergency treatment as well as a long-term plan. For the emergency treatment, any patient with anaphylaxis risk should carry an autoinjector which is administered into the thigh in case of an attack. For long term, immunotherapy which is aimed to reduce the body’s allergic reaction can be helpful. Diagnosis is made via a blood test to measure tryptase in the blood. This enzyme is present for up to three hours after an attack. An allergist can perform several allergy studies to determine the allergens that may trigger an attack.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Hives and itching, flushed or pale skin, skin reactions, hypotension, swollen tongue or throat, constriction of the airways, wheezing and trouble breathing, nausea vomiting or diarrhea, a weak and rapid pulse, dizziness or fainting

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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