Most of the time, allergies are a minor annoyance. They can often be managed by treating the symptoms with over-the-counter medications or prescription medications from your doctor. But some people who are extremely allergic to anything from peanut butter to pollen may be at risk for anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is more than sniffles — it is a very strong allergic reaction that can affect your blood pressure and breathing. Although this kind of reaction can be life-threatening, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, anaphylaxis is the rarest of allergic reactions and you should be able to avoid the most dangerous side effects if you and your family are educated and prepared.

Learn to recognize the early signs of anaphylaxis so you can get help immediately. Some of the common early symptoms are:

• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Shock due to a drop in blood pressure
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen tongue or throat
• Feeling of constriction in the lungs and throat
• Hives
• Extreme itchiness
• Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
• Change in skin tone — either flushed or pale

Although anaphylactic reactions are rare, if you or your child have one, you are more likely to have another one.

Any allergen can cause anaphylaxis if the reaction is severe enough, but the most common allergens associated with anaphylaxis are allergies to foods (such as peanuts), allergies to insect bites (such as bee stings) and allergies to medications (such as penicillin).

Fortunately, you can talk to your doctor about steps you can take to stay safe and reduce your risk for an anaphylactic reaction. If you or a family member has an anaphylactic reaction and you don’t know the cause, you may need to visit an allergy specialist to determine what set off the response.

The best way to guard against an anaphylactic reaction is not to have one. And a great way to avoid anaphylaxis is to know what you are allergic to and avoid substances that trigger the reaction, whether it is peanuts, penicillin, pet hair or anything else.

The only way to reverse an anaphylactic reaction is with an injection of a type of adrenaline called epinephrine. Fortunately, your doctor can prescribe epinephrine injectors to carry with you in case of emergency.

Keep these tips in mind for you and your family members with allergies:

• Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that states your allergy.
• If you have a severe food allergy, read labels carefully and ask for complete information when dining out.
• Tell your doctor about any allergies before you undergo any medical procedure.
• Avoid sandals when walking where stinging insects might lurk.
• Keep an “allergy emergency kit” handy at all times. If this kit includes an epinephrine injector (often called an “EpiPen”), make sure to be aware of the expiration date and replace it as needed, even if you never use it. Ideally, you will never have to.