Anaphylactic Shock – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!

Causes of Anaphylactic Shock: Anaphylaxis is caused by your immune system overreacting to an allergen, or something your body is allergic to. In turn, anaphylaxis can result in Anaphylactic Shock .

Common causes for anaphylaxis include:

• Certain medications such as penicillin
• insect bites
• Foods like nuts, shellfish, milk and eggs
• Agents used in immunotherapy
• Latex

In rare cases, exercise and aerobic activity, such as running, can trigger anaphylaxis . Sometimes a cause for this reaction is never identified. This type of anaphylaxis is called idiopathic. If you’re not sure what’s triggering your allergy attacks , your doctor may order an allergy test to look for what’s causing them.

Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock:  You will experience symptoms of anaphylaxis before Anaphylactic Shock sets in. These symptoms should not be ignored. They include:

• Skin reactions such as hives, flushed or pale skin
• Suddenly feeling very hot
• Feeling like you have a lump in your throat or difficulty swallowing
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Runny nose and sneezing
• Swollen tongue or lips
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• A feeling that something is wrong with your body
• Tingling of hands, feet, mouth or scalp

If you think you are experiencing anaphylaxis , seek medical attention immediately. You should also be aware of the symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock . These symptoms include:

• struggling to breathe
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• sudden feeling of weakness
• Loss of consciousness

Risk Factors for Anaphylactic Shock: Risk factors forsevere anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock include:

• Previous anaphylactic reaction;
• Allergies or asthma ;
• Family history of anaphylaxis .

Complications of Anaphylactic Shock: Anaphylactic Shock is extremely serious. It can block your airways and prevent you from breathing. It can also stop your heart. This is due to the decrease in blood pressure which prevents the heart from receiving enough oxygen.

This can contribute to possible complications such as:

• brain damage
• kidney failure
• Cardiogenic shock, a condition that causes your heart to not pump enough blood to your body
• Arrhythmias, a heartbeat that is too fast or too slow
• heart attacks
• Death

In some cases, you will experience a worsening of pre-existing medical conditions. This is especially true for conditions of the respiratory system . For example, if you have COPD, you may experience a lack of oxygen that can quickly cause irreversible damage to your lungs .

Anaphylactic shock can also permanently worsen symptoms in people with MS. The sooner you get treated for Anaphylactic Shock , the fewer complications you are likely to have.

What to Do in Anaphylactic Shock: If you are experiencing severe anaphylaxis , seek emergency care immediately.

• If you have an epinephrine auto-injector, use it at the beginning of your symptoms. Do not attempt to take any type of oral medication if you are having difficulty breathing.
• Even if you look better after using epinephrine, you should still get medical attention. There is a significant risk of the reaction returning as soon as the medication wears off.
• If Anaphylactic Shock is occurring from an insect bite, remove the stinger if possible. Use a plastic card, like a credit card. Press the card against the skin, slide it up towards the heater, and move the card down once.
• Do not squeeze the stinger as this may release more venom.

If someone seems to go into Anaphylactic Shock , call 911:

• Put them in a comfortable position and elevate your legs. This keeps blood flowing to vital organs.
• If they have an EpiPen, administer it right away.
• Give them CPR if they are not breathing until the emergency medical team arrives.

Anaphylactic Shock Treatments: The first step in treating anaphylactic shock will likely be to take epinephrine immediately. This can reduce the severity of the allergic reaction.

In the hospital, you may be given cortisone and antihistamines intravenously. These help reduce inflammation in the air passages, improving the ability to breathe. Your doctor may give you beta-agonists like albuterol to make breathing easier.

You may also be given supplemental oxygen to help your body get the oxygen it needs.

Any complications that you have developed as a result of Anaphylactic Shock will also be treated.

Anaphylactic Shock Perspective: Anaphylactic shock can be extremely dangerous, even fatal. It’s an immediate medical emergency. Recovery will depend on how quickly you get help.

• If you are at risk for anaphylaxis , work with your doctor to come up with an emergency plan. In the long term, you may be prescribed antihistamines or other allergy medications to reduce the likelihood or severity of future attacks. You should always take the allergy medications prescribed by your doctor and consult them before stopping.
• Your doctor may suggest carrying an EpiPen in case of a future attack. They can also help you identify what caused the reaction so you can avoid triggers in the future.