If you suffer from anaphylaxis, you can help prevent a reaction from occurring by avoiding the allergenic substance. However, avoidance is not enough. You cannot predict the movement of a flying insect, or always know the ingredients of your food. Surprises happen and sometimes you cannot avoid the harmful allergen. In this case you need to be prepared to treat the condition with epinephrine as soon as it arises.

Side effects of epinephrine may include palpitations, tachycardia (an abnormally fast heartbeat), sweating, nausea and vomiting, and respiratory difficulty. Cardiac arrhythmias may follow administration of epinephrine. Patients should ask their physician about the circumstances under which this life-saving medication should be used.

Doctors are an excellent resource and by asking them questions you can learn more about your anaphylaxis. Consider viewing our printable Questions to Ask Your Doctor to see examples of what you might ask your own physician.

You can also learn a great deal about anaphylaxis from other resources, such as organizations and Web sites devoted to anaphylaxis education. Some of these resources can help you find a board-certified allergist located near you.