Being familiar with the allergens that trigger a swollen throat can help avoid a life-threatening allergic condition called as anaphylaxis. A swollen throat allergy is a usual indication of anaphylaxis which is a severe allergic reaction that affects the entire body. An allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis but some are quite common than others such as certain food allergies, insect stings and medications. Call for emergency assistance if the individual develops swelling in the throat.
What are the common allergens?
Any substance that instigates the immune system to produce immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) is considered as an allergen. The allergens are relatively harmless to many individuals but capable of causing minor to severe symptoms in some. Even though most allergic reactions can trigger minor symptoms, a severe allergic reaction can cause death. The common allergens linked with a swollen throat include aspirin, penicillin, shellfish, fish, milk, tree nuts, eggs and stings from wasps, fire ants, bees and hornets. Some individuals can even develop a swollen throat from latex allergy, exercise or using muscle relaxants.
Causes of a swollen throat
The throat swells during a severe allergic reaction due to the increased levels of histamine, IgE antibodies and other chemicals released in the soft tissues all over the body. Since the immune system reacts as if it is under attack, the flood of chemicals fight off the allergen, but consequently cause swelling and inflammation all over the body.
The lungs can become constricted and the lining of the esophagus becomes swollen that can cut off the ability of the individual to swallow or breathe. The swollen throat can cause wheezing which is a high-pitched whistle-like sound produced by the limited airflow.
What are the other symptoms?
Along with a swollen throat, other symptoms might develop rapidly. Most of the symptoms of anaphylaxis develop within a few seconds after the allergen enters the body. Other symptoms linked with this type of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, hives, nasal congestion, skin warmth, vomiting, rashes, nausea, pale skin, dizziness, low pulse, low blood pressure, anxiety, low blood pressure as well as headache and stomach pain.
Prevention and treatment
The doctor will recommend allergy testing in order to determine the substances that can cause anaphylaxis. The only way to prevent a severe allergic reaction is to avoid the potential allergens.
In some allergies, insect bites and airborne allergens can be managed with allergy shots that work by desensitizing the immune system to the substance. A swollen throat can be caused by an allergic reaction that should be managed with an injection of epinephrine. If the individual has a known severe allergy, the doctor might prescribe an auto-injectable epinephrine to be carried around by the individual at all times. Once the initial symptoms of a severe reaction manifests, a shot of epinephrine should be administered and bring the individual to the hospital for further care.