Anaphylaxis: A Severe Allergic Reaction

Allergies are often an acute reaction to allergens to which we can be exposed. These reactions do not pose a major threat to our bodies. However, there are some rare allergies that can be life threatening if not treated immediately.

The most severe reaction to allergens is anaphylactic shock. When the body reacts to a potentially harmful allergen, it releases an antibody know as immunoglobulin E. The initial exposure is know as sensitization and is asymptomatic. As exposure to the allergen increases the person will develop serious immune response affecting their entire body. Their entire body becomes allergic to this allergen. Some people have a severe reaction to any type of nuts.

The number of people world wide who suffer from anaphylaxis is probably in the range of 1% of the population.

Some people are born with it while others develop it. Male adults are less likely to develop anaphylaxis than female adults but in children it is the reserves – young males are more susceptible.

Symptoms vary from case to case. However, the onset normally begins with a skin rash, a feeling of being unwell and a runny nose. The onset of anaphylaxis can be very rapid and there a host of complex symptoms.

Some of the serious symptoms include difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, abdominal pains, tightness in the throat, nasal congestion, dizziness, low blood pressure as well as a rapid heart beat. The sufferer can even have a cardiac arrest.

Anaphylaxis is a serious condition that must be treated immediately or it could lead to unconsciousness and in some cases death.

It is difficult to know what causes anaphylaxis but it is know that there are a host of substances that trigger an attack. Some of the contributors are some foods, medicines, insect stings and x-ray dyes. Common allergens can be the cause of anaphylactic shock.

The treatment is an injection of epinephrine and this will counter the anaphylactic symptoms. This is a form of adrenaline, which when administered, will reverse the symptoms and stabilize the patient. Once the person is stabilized, they are given further intravenous fluids and medicines.

People, who know that they suffer from allergies that can lead to anaphylaxis, are advised by their doctor to always carry a handy epinephrine injection kit. It is also a good practice to carry a card stating what allergies they suffer from so that the treatment can be administered immediately in case of an emergency.

To  YOUR success

Sue McDonald

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