Common triggers include certain foods, medications, insect stings, and latex. Severe allergies can develop at any age, even in people who never experienced a serious reaction earlier in life.
If anaphylaxis is suspected, epinephrine should be used immediately when available, followed by emergency medical care. Antihistamines work too slowly to replace epinephrine during a severe reaction.
If a rash appears together with breathing trouble, throat swelling, dizziness, or fainting, treat it as an emergency rather than waiting for symptoms to improve. Quick treatment can be lifesaving.
