About Anaphylactic Shock

Overview

Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening condition in which an allergic reaction sends off an excessive amount of histamines and leukotrines into the blood stream. Anaphylactic shock can affect humans of any age. Some humans are born with allergies to certain stimuli while others develop the allergy suddenly or over time. Anaphylactic shock occurs with direct skin contact of the stimuli, injection of the allergen or source, inhalation or ingestion.

Who Is at risk?

There are certain people who are at risk for developing anaphylactic shock. These are mainly people who are allergic to a specific allergen. Examples include penicillin, insect stings, peanuts, venom, shellfish, dairy products, eggs, latex, immunizations and certain medications. Most people who have had one episode know to avoid their allergens so they do not get sick. Avoiding contact with insects and certain types of foods that contain the allergen is recommended. They may wear a life alert necklace or bracelet or carry a specific emergency identification on their driver's license or ID to alert others in case they become unresponsive. Many people may not know they are allergic to something until they start to develop symptoms.

Initial Symptoms

Symptoms often appear minutes after the person has been exposed to the allergen. If someone is bit by an insect or snake, they may feel the bite or sting and seek medical help right away. Some may not realize they have come into contact with an allergen such as food and may not realize what is happening right away---even with initial mild symptoms. Symptoms may get worse as the allergen enters the bloodstream. Initial symptoms may start off mild such as abdominal cramping, cough, congestion, skin redness, nausea, hives and rapid pulse.

Life-Threatening Symptoms

As anaphylactic shock sets in, more life-threatening symptoms may begin to appear. These symptoms may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, fainting, abnormal heart rhythm, bluish skin, mental confusion, low blood pressure and swelling of the eyes, lips and throat. At the first sign of any symptom, 911 should be called immediately so emergency medical care be administered.

Treatment

If someone knows they currently have a life-threatening allergy to a stimuli, they can take precautions to avoid the repercussions of anaphylactic shock. This may include carrying an epi-pen or allergy kit with them at all times. The epi-pen is similar to a shot. It is used to administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is also considered adrenaline. When the epinephrine is released into the blood stream it counteracts the allergen and generally relieves the life-threatening symptoms. A visit to the nearest emergency room is still required to assess the patient's condition and evaluate for internal organ damage. Even several hours after an epinephrine treatment a second episode of shock frequently appears, which is called a biphasic reaction. According to epipen.com, the biphasic reaction affects up to 25 percent of people who have just had an anaphylactic reaction.

Complications

There are serious complications that may arise from anaphylactic shock. Swelling of the airways is the most prominent. If the airways swell too much, breathing is affected. Often times internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys and heart are also affected from the allergen. This can result in long-term damage that can be irreversible. Some sufferers of anaphylactic shock can slip into a deep coma as a result of brain or other organ damage. Some of the effects are irreversible. Death can occur with anaphylactic shock, especially if it is not treated as an emergency.