Index
An overview of the Anaphylactic Shock
In most cases, people with allergies develop mild to moderate symptoms, such as watery eyes, stuffy nose, or rash.
But sometimes, exposure to an allergen can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
This severe reaction occurs when an excess release of chemicals puts the person in shock. Food allergies, insect bites, medications, and latex are most commonly associated with anaphylaxis.
The second anaphylactic reaction, known as a biphasic reaction, can occur 12 hours after the initial response.
Call emergencies and go to the emergency center closest to the first sign of anaphylaxis, even if you have already administered epinephrine, the medicine used to treat severe allergic reactions.
Just because an allergic person has never had an anaphylactic reaction in the past to an offensive allergen does not mean that it does not occur in the future. If you have had an anaphylactic reaction in the past, you run the risk of future reactions.
symptom
Symptoms of anaphylaxis occur suddenly and can progress rapidly. The first symptoms may be mild, such as a runny nose, a rash, or a “strange feeling.” These symptoms can quickly lead to more severe problems, including:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Hives or swelling
- The obscurity of the throat.
- Hoarsely.
- Nausea.
- Threw up.
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Low blood pressure.
- Fast beats
- Feeling of drowning
- Heart attack.
People who have had a severe allergic reaction are at risk of future reactions. Even if your first reaction is mild, future reactions may be more serious. That’s why it’s essential to take auto-injectable adrenaline if you’re at risk and call for emergencies in case of a severe reaction.
Understanding anaphylaxis and the things that can trigger this severe allergic reaction will help you manage your condition.
Diagnosis
If you have a history of allergies and asthma and have previously had a severe reaction, you are at increased risk of anaphylaxis.
Allergists have the training and experience to review their history of allergic reactions, perform diagnostic tests (such as skin tests, blood tests, and oral food tests) to determine their triggers, review treatment options, and teach avoidance techniques.
Consultation with an allergist is recommended if:
- Not sure if he has had an anaphylactic reaction.
- Its symptoms are recurrent or difficult to control.
- You have problems controlling your condition.
- More tests are needed to determine the cause of their responses.
- Desensitization or immunotherapy may be helpful in your case.
- Daily medication is needed.
- He needs intensive education on the management of avoidance and anaphylaxis.
- Other medical conditions complicate your treatment.
Management and treatment.
An anaphylactic reaction should be treated immediately with an adrenaline injection. The doses, available by prescription, come in a self-injector that should be kept with you.
Two injections may be necessary to control the symptoms. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis:
- Know your detonator. If you have had anaphylaxis, it is essential to know what caused the reaction. An allergist can review your medical history and, if necessary, perform diagnostic tests. The most common triggers are:
- Food: including peanuts, nuts, fish, seafood, cow’s milk, and eggs.
- Latex: found in disposable gloves, intravenous tubes, syringes, adhesive tapes, and catheters.
- Health workers, children with spina bifida, genitourinary anomalies, and people who work with natural latex have a higher risk of anaphylaxis induced by latex.
- Medications: including penicillin, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and anesthesia.
- Insect bite: bees, wasps, hornets, and ants are the most likely to trigger anaphylaxis.
- Avoid the detonator. Prevention is the most effective way to prevent anaphylaxis.
- An allergist can work with you to develop specific avoidance measures explicitly tailored to your age, activities, occupation, hobbies, family environment, and access to medical care.
Here are some general avoidance techniques for common triggers:
- Food allergies Be a detective with the labels and are sure to check all the titles of the food ingredients carefully to discover potential allergens.
When eating out, ask how the food is prepared and what ingredients are used at the restaurant. If you have a child with a history of anaphylaxis, it is imperative to ensure that school personnel is informed of the child’s condition and a treatment plan is provided, including the administration of epinephrine.
Medicines. Please make sure all your doctors are aware of any reactions you have had with medications so they can prescribe safe alternatives and alert you to other drugs you need to avoid.
If there are no alternative medications, you may be a candidate for desensitization, a treatment that introduces a small dose of the drug to which you are allergic. As your body becomes more tolerant of medication, the amount may increase.
While the treatment is effective, it is only temporary and should be repeated if the medication is needed again.
Insect bites. Avoid insect bites, avoid walking barefoot on the lawn, drink from soda cans, and wear brightly colored clothes with flowery patterns, sweet-smelling perfumes, lacquers, and lotion during the active insect season in late summer and early summer. Autumn.
Preventive treatment
An allergist can also provide a preventive treatment called poison immunotherapy for the bite of insects.
The treatment works by gradually increasing doses of venom purified insects and is 90 to 98 percent effective in preventing future allergic reactions to insect bites.
Be prepared. The rapid recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis is essential.
If you unexpectedly encounter the trigger, you should immediately follow the emergency plan described by your doctor, including the self-administration of epinephrine.
If there is any doubt about the reaction, it is usually best to administer epinephrine. Be sure to keep your epinephrine auto-injector close.
If an expired auto-injector is the only one available in an emergency, administer it immediately anyway.
