Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen (a substance that triggers an allergic response). It can develop within minutes and affects multiple body systems at once, including the skin, respiratory system, heart, and digestive tract. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline) and emergency care.

Who is this service for?

Anaphylaxis management is essential for anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions or those at high risk. This includes people with allergies to foods (such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, or milk), insect stings, medications, or latex. If you have experienced symptoms of anaphylaxis in the past, or if you have been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, our specialists can help you understand your condition and develop a comprehensive safety plan.

What to expect during your visit

During your appointment at Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, our allergists will take a detailed history of any previous reactions and perform allergy testing if needed. We will help you identify your specific triggers and assess your risk level. Your specialist will also review proper epinephrine auto-injector use, discuss warning signs to watch for, and create a written anaphylaxis action plan tailored to your needs.

Key components of your visit may include:

Comprehensive allergy history and trigger identification
Allergy testing to confirm specific allergens
Hands-on training with epinephrine auto-injector devices
Development of a personalised anaphylaxis action plan
Education for family members and caregivers
Discussion of emergency response procedures

Treatment and management options

The primary treatment for anaphylaxis is immediate administration of epinephrine via auto-injector. At Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, we ensure you and your loved ones know how to recognise anaphylaxis symptoms and respond quickly. We may also recommend carrying antihistamines and corticosteroids as backup medications, though these are not substitutes for epinephrine.

Beyond emergency response, our specialists can discuss long-term management strategies, including allergen avoidance, immunotherapy options for certain allergens, and ongoing monitoring. In some cases, oral immunotherapy (a treatment that gradually increases tolerance to an allergen) may be appropriate—your allergist will assess whether this is suitable for your situation.

Why choose Denver Allergy?

At Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, we understand that anaphylaxis can be frightening and life-altering. Our board-certified allergists and immunologists have extensive experience helping patients across Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Denver, Littleton, and Arvada manage severe allergies and prepare for emergencies. We take time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions thoroughly, and empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to stay safe. We are committed to providing compassionate, expert care that gives you and your family confidence and peace of mind.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions.

Signs of anaphylaxis

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat

Rapid or weak pulse

Dizziness or fainting

Severe itching or hives on skin

Nausea, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain

Confusion or sense of impending doom

Loss of consciousness

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Understanding anaphylaxis and staying safe Q & A

An allergy is an immune system reaction to a harmless substance, which may cause mild to moderate symptoms like itching or sneezing. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that affects multiple body systems and requires immediate emergency treatment. Not all allergies lead to anaphylaxis, but anaphylaxis always requires urgent medical attention.

If you have experienced anaphylaxis or have been diagnosed with a severe allergy that puts you at risk, your allergist may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. During your visit at Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, our specialists will assess your risk and discuss whether an auto-injector is appropriate for you. We will also train you on proper use.

If you suspect anaphylaxis, use your epinephrine auto-injector immediately, even if you are unsure. Call 911 right away. Lie down with your legs elevated unless you are vomiting or having breathing difficulty. Seek emergency medical care even if symptoms improve after using epinephrine, as a second reaction can occur. Never delay emergency care.

The best way to prevent anaphylaxis is to identify and avoid your specific allergen triggers. Our allergists can help you recognise these triggers through testing and detailed history. We also discuss strategies for safe food handling, reading labels, and communicating your allergies to others. In some cases, immunotherapy may reduce your risk over time.

Yes, absolutely. Family members, close friends, coworkers, and caregivers should know about your allergies and anaphylaxis risk. They should understand how to recognise warning signs and know where your epinephrine auto-injector is kept. During your appointment, we encourage you to bring loved ones so we can educate them together.

Your allergist will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your individual situation. Many patients benefit from annual check-ups to review their action plan, ensure their auto-injectors have not expired, and discuss any new concerns. More frequent visits may be needed if your triggers change or if you are considering immunotherapy.

Take the first step

Ready to get started? Feeling Better?

Anaphylaxis emergency care and prevention at Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates. Expert allergists serving Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Denver, Littleton, Arvada. Call 303-234-1067.

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