Swellings due to allergic reactions to foods or drugs are sometimes severe and dramatic, but usually resolve within 24 hours.
People with allergies should take any sudden tightness in the throat seriously, as it could be a sign of anaphylaxis. It is vital to seek emergency medical treatment, especially after exposure to an allergen, before symptoms become severe.
It mostly occurs within 20 minutes to 2 hours after exposure to the allergen. Signs and symptoms may be mild at first, but can rapidly worsen. A small number of people suddenly develop signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) without any signs of a mild to moderate allergic reaction.
throat tightness or feeling like the throat or airways are closing. hoarseness or trouble speaking. wheezing or cough. nasal stuffiness.
What is anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis, also called allergic or anaphylactic shock, is a sudden, severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that involves the whole body. The reaction is marked by constriction of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. Swelling of the throat may block the airway in severe cases.
A tight throat can make you feel like your airway passage is narrowed, causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing or the sensation of a lump in your throat.
Often, a swollen throat is caused by an infection, like a cold, flu, or strep throat. When you have an infection, white blood cells and other substances made by your immune system flood the area. This increases blood flow to the area, causing swelling. The irritation and swelling can make swallowing very painful.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery suggests that a person should consult a doctor if they have: a severe and persistent sore throat that does not go away. difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening the mouth. swelling in the face or neck.
“But if you're experiencing wheezing, throat swelling or difficulty swallowing, or you're feeling lightheaded or faint, you need to seek emergency care.” A medication called epinephrine, which is injected with a prescription EpiPen, can help prevent anaphylaxis in yourself or your child.
Key points to remember
Allergic reactions are common in children. Most reactions are mild. A severe allergic reaction (i.e. anaphylaxis) involves a person's breathing and/or circulation. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction and is life threatening.
Anaphylactic reactions can vary greatly from person to person, or from one reaction to the next. The symptoms may get worse within only a few minutes. They then often stay at the same level of severity for a while and then go away again on their own.
Anaphylaxis symptoms occur suddenly and can progress quickly. The early symptoms may be mild, such as a runny nose, a skin rash or a “strange feeling.” These symptoms can quickly lead to more serious problems, including: Trouble breathing. Hives or swelling. Tightness of the throat.
Anaphylaxis develops rapidly, usually reaching peak severity within 5 to 30 minutes, and may, rarely, last for several days.
Many allergic reactions are mild, while others can be severe and life threatening. They can be confined to a small area of the body, or they may affect the entire body. The most severe form is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Allergic reactions occur more often in people who have a family history of allergies.
In hospital
an oxygen mask may be used to help breathing. fluids may be given directly into a vein to help increase blood pressure. additional medicines such as antihistamines and steroids may be used to help relieve symptoms. blood tests may be carried out to confirm anaphylaxis.
Constriction and tightening of the airways. A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe. Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure. Rapid pulse.
Pharyngitis is caused by swelling in the back of the throat (pharynx) between the tonsils and the voice box (larynx). Most sore throats are caused by colds, the flu, coxsackie virus or mono (mononucleosis). Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis in some cases: Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus.
Most cases of swollen tonsils will go away on their own after a few days. OTC medications and home remedies can help alleviate some symptoms. A person should see a doctor if the swollen tonsils worsen or do not get better after a few days.