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Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes fatal allergic reaction. It might happen seconds or minutes after being exposed to anything you're allergic to, such as peanuts or bee stings.
Anaphylaxis leads the immune system to unleash a rush of chemicals that can induce shock – blood pressure drops abruptly and the airways narrow, making breathing difficult. A quick, weak pulse, a skin rash, and nausea and vomiting are all signs and symptoms. Certain meals, drugs, insect venom, and latex are all common causes.
Anaphylaxis necessitates an adrenaline shot and a trip to the emergency hospital. If you don't have epinephrine, you should go to the emergency room right away. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not handled promptly.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHYLAXIS?
Anaphylaxis symptoms typically appear within minutes of being exposed to an allergen. However, anaphylaxis can occur up to a half-hour following exposure. Anaphylaxis might be delayed for hours in rare circumstances. Among the signs and symptoms are:
- Skin reactions such as hives, itching, and flushed or pale skin
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Constriction of the airways and a swollen throat or tongue, which can lead to wheezing and breathing difficulties
- A quick and weak pulse
- Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
- Fainting or dizziness
Antibodies are produced by the immune system to guard against foreign substances. This is beneficial when a foreign substance, such as germs or viruses, is detrimental. Some people's immune systems, however, respond to things that typically do not trigger an allergic reaction.
Allergy symptoms are rarely fatal, but a strong allergic reaction might result in anaphylaxis. Even if you or your kid has previously experienced only a minor anaphylactic reaction, there is a risk of more severe anaphylaxis with another exposure to the allergy-causing substance.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ANAPHYLAXIS?
Antibodies are produced by the immune system to guard against foreign substances. This is beneficial when a foreign substance, such as germs or viruses, is detrimental. Some people's immune systems, however, respond to things that typically do not trigger an allergic reaction.
Allergy symptoms are rarely fatal, but a strong allergic reaction might result in anaphylaxis. Even if you or your kid has previously experienced only a minor anaphylactic reaction, there is a risk of more severe anaphylaxis with another exposure to the allergy-causing substance.
Food allergies, such as peanuts and tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame, and milk, are the most common anaphylactic triggers in children. In addition to peanut, nut, fish, sesame, and shellfish allergies, anaphylactic triggers in adults include:
- Certain drugs, such as antibiotics, aspirin, and other pain relievers that are available without a prescription, as well as intravenous (IV) contrast used in various imaging procedures, are available without a prescription.
- Bee, yellow jacket, wasp, hornet, and fire ant stings
- Latex
Although it is uncommon, some persons have anaphylaxis as a result of cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging, or even less strenuous physical activity, such as walking. Certain foods, as well as exercising in hot, cold, or humid weather, have been related to anaphylaxis in certain people. Consult your doctor about the measures you should take when exercising.
Certain tests can assist identify the allergen if you don't know what causes an allergy attack. In certain circumstances, the cause of anaphylaxis is unknown (idiopathic anaphylaxis).
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ANAPHYLAXIS?
There aren't many established risk factors for anaphylaxis, but the following may raise the risk:
Previous anaphylaxis: If you've already experienced anaphylaxis, your chances of experiencing it again are increased. Future reactions could be more severe than the first.
Asthma or allergies: People with either disease are more likely to experience anaphylaxis.
Other conditions: Heart disease and an abnormal concentration of a specific type of white blood cell are examples (mastocytosis).
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ANAPHYLAXIS?
Some people may suffer from anaphylactic shock. Because of the inflammation of the airways, it is also possible to cease breathing or have airway blockage. It can occasionally induce a heart attack. All of these issues have the potential to be lethal.
HOW IS ANAPHYLAXIS DIAGNOSED?
Your provider may inquire about previous allergic responses, such as whether you have reacted to:
- Specific foods
- Medications
- Latex
- Stings from insects
To assist in confirming the diagnosis:
- A blood test may be performed to determine the level of a specific enzyme (tryptase) that can be raised up to three hours after anaphylaxis.
- To assist discover your trigger, you may be checked for allergies using skin testing or blood tests.
Many illnesses exhibit symptoms that are comparable to anaphylaxis. Other conditions may be ruled out by your physician.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ANAPHYLAXIS?
If you stop breathing or your heart stops beating during an allergic attack, you may need cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). You may also be given drugs such as:
- Epinephrine (adrenaline),which is used to suppress the body's allergic response.
- Oxygen, to assist you in breathing
- Intravenous (IV) antihistamines and cortisone to reduce airway inflammation and enhance breathing
- A beta-agonist (such as albuterol) to alleviate breathing problems
In an emergency, what should you do?
Act quickly if you are with someone who is suffering an allergic reaction and showing signs of shock. Look for pale, chilly, clammy skin, a weak, quick pulse, breathing difficulties, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Do the following right away:
- Call 911 or seek immediate medical assistance.
- If one is accessible, inject an epinephrine autoinjector into the person's thigh.
- Ascertain that the individual is lying down and lift the legs.
- Check the person's pulse and breathing, then provide CPR or other first-aid procedures if necessary.
Making use of an autoinjector
Many people who are at risk of anaphylaxis keep an autoinjector on hand. When rubbed against the thigh, this gadget has a syringe and a concealed needle that injects a single dose of medication. If you use epinephrine after its expiration date, it may not perform effectively.
Using an autoinjector as soon as possible will prevent anaphylaxis from progressing and may save your life. Make certain you understand how to utilize the autoinjector. Also, be certain that those closest to you understand how to utilize it.
Long-term treatment
If an anaphylactic reaction is triggered by insect stings, a course of allergy shots (immunotherapy) may lessen the body's allergic response and avoid a severe reaction in the future.
Unfortunately, there is no way to address the underlying immune system disease that can contribute to anaphylaxis in the majority of other cases. However, you can take precautions to avoid a future attack and be ready if one comes.
- Try to avoid your allergy triggers.
- Carry epinephrine for self-administration. Using an autoinjector, you can administer the medicine to yourself during an anaphylactic reaction.
CONCLUSION
Even if you take precautions, you will almost certainly be exposed to something you are allergic to at some point. Fortunately, recognizing the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and having a strategy in place to manage those symptoms allows you to respond quickly and effectively to an allergy emergency.