Anaphylaxis

Overview

At the Dubai Allergology Clinic at MMC, we are acutely aware of the life-threatening nature of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate attention. Given the dynamic nature of Dubai, with its melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and environmental factors, we have witnessed an uptick in anaphylactic reactions in recent years. Recognizing and addressing this condition, especially in the context of the Middle East, is of paramount importance to us.

Signs and Symptoms

When patients approach us with concerns of anaphylaxis, they often recount experiencing a rapid onset of symptoms that can escalate within minutes. Common manifestations we've observed here include:

• Difficulty in breathing or wheezing
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Drop in blood pressure
• Skin reactions such as hives, redness, or paleness
• Swelling of the face, throat, or other areas of the body
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Feeling of impending doom or confusion

Causes

Understanding the causes of anaphylaxis is vital for prevention. Through our years of expertise at MMC, we've identified several triggers specific to the Middle East:

• Foods: Regional delicacies or imported foods can sometimes be allergens, such as tree nuts, fish, or shellfish.
• Insect stings: Certain insects native to this region, like wasps or bees, can cause severe allergic reactions in predisposed individuals.
• Medications: Over-the-counter or prescribed drugs can sometimes trigger anaphylaxis.
• Environmental factors: The unique flora and fauna of Dubai and its surroundings can introduce allergens uncommon in other parts of the world.

Diagnosis & Classification

At the Dubai Allergology Clinic at MMC, the critical aspect of diagnosing anaphylaxis is speed. Our approach involves:

• Patient History: Rapid assessment of the patient's exposure to potential allergens and the timeline of symptom onset.
• Physical Examination: Evaluation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and skin reactions.
• Blood Tests: In some cases, we measure the levels of certain enzymes in the blood post-reaction.

Diagnosis & Classification

Anaphylaxis, given its nature, does not have a broad classification. However, we classify it based on the trigger or cause, such as food-induced, drug-induced, or insect sting-induced anaphylaxis.

Prevention

In a diverse region like Dubai, preventing anaphylaxis poses unique challenges. We advise:

• Awareness: Educate yourself about potential allergens present in local cuisines or environments.
• Avoidance: Once an allergen is identified, take all necessary precautions to avoid exposure.
• Emergency Action Plan: Always have a documented plan, detailing steps to take during an anaphylactic reaction.
• Wear Medical Alert Jewelry: This ensures that others are aware of your allergies in case of an unconscious state or inability to communicate.

Treatment

At the Dubai Allergology Clinic at MMC, our primary emphasis for anaphylaxis is immediate intervention:

• Epinephrine: This is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Patients diagnosed with a risk are prescribed an auto-injector and trained in its use.
• Other Medications: After epinephrine, other treatments like antihistamines or corticosteroids might be administered to manage symptoms.
• Observation: Post-treatment, patients are monitored to ensure there's no biphasic anaphylaxis, a recurrence of symptoms without being re-exposed to the allergen.