Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening, whole-body (systemic) allergic reaction. It can be induced by any allergen to which an individual has an extreme sensitivity. The entire body becomes involved because histamine is released by different tissues causing the airways to tighten and lead to other serious symptoms. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) points out three of the most common causes of such a reaction to be drug, food and insect bite/sting allergies.
Digestive Symptoms
Within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen, the individual may experience a number of symptoms. Digestive symptoms, including abdominal pain or cramping, are possible. Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting are all signs of serious allergy and may precede more serious anaphylactic symptoms.
Skin Symptoms
Hives or raised red bumps can appear on the torso and other parts of the body. This rash can spread and become itchy. The skin may also be red where the rash has appeared.
Breathing Difficulties
The most extreme symptom of anaphylactic shock is trouble breathing. An individual may make abnormal sounds when breathing, often described as high pitched or whistling. Wheezing or an influx in asthma symptoms are common. As the face, mouth, tongue and throat swell, the individual may be unable to breath, resulting in asphyxiation. The skin may become blue, especially at the mouth or finger tips, as the oxygen levels decline. The individual may feel faint, dizzy or even pass out.
Other Symptoms
Slurred speech, confusion or anxiety are other effects of such an allergic reaction. An individual may report feeling his heart beat. Common signs of allergy include nasal congestion and coughing.
When the body goes into shock, the blood pressure may drop, suddenly causing the body temperature to decline. The heart rate may also increase, decrease or become irregular. This symptom of shock and breathing troubles can lead to death without proper emergency treatment.
