Anaphylaxis
What is the difference between anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock?
Many people have the wrong perception about anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shocks and some people consider it same. Anaphylaxis is when in few minutes the whole body is affected with the allergic reaction. It is observed that the reaction is usually in few minutes after exposure to allergens only in some cases the reaction is seen after few hours. As we all know about our immune system. Immune system is the defense system of our body. As soon as the immune system recognizes an allergic reaction it starts releasing histamine. Due to release of histamine and other chemicals it results into a low blood pressure because of blood vessel leak. This may also trigger asthma attack. In case of anaphylactic shock the reaction is so intense that it causes inflammation and the reaction goes out of control. This type of inflammation is also called as systematic inflammation. Due to the blood vessel leak the blood supply to the different organs of the body is less, because of this the oxygen supply to the organs goes down, this may cause the organ to stop functioning or even fail. Brain, lungs, liver, kidney are the main organs of our body. People who have experienced a severe allergic attack before, then they should be more careful in future, because these type of reaction could be fatal. People having asthma and also are allergic to some or the other substance or have already experienced an allergic attack should have proper and regular check-up from allergy specialist. If you are not aware or known to any allergy specialist ask your doctor to refer to some allergy clinic, this will definitely guide you to the right path. Guidance from such allergy specialist is needed and is always helpful to take care of your self.
What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock?
The symptoms listed below is the list of symptoms that may occur, all the listed symptoms may not occur to a single person and the symptoms may not be severe. People should not take such symptoms lightly, whatever they observe need to be consulted with their doctors or allergy specialists. By telling your observations to your doctors itself will help them to give you treatment better.
- Problem in swallowing, speaking and breathing
- Breathing problems may be because of asthma or swollen throat.
- Observing hives on any part of the body. (Urticaria)
- Abdominal cramps and sudden feel of weakness because of the low blood pressure.
- Irregular heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unconsciousness.
Immediate treatment is required if the above symptoms are experienced.
What is the treatment?
Keep all your documents filed and readily available. This file should contain all the comments from your doctor, your medical history, you are allergic to what all substances and drugs. If all this information is maintained then any other doctor who doesn’t know you, but reading your file he would be in a position to give you treatment. Adrenaline injected under the skin or muscles will help the body in couping or counteracting on the excess of histamine released by the body. It will help in regaining the blood vessels state, helps stopping the leak, help to improve breathing, regularizes heartbeat. Always take some information from your allergy specialist about what medicine to take if such problem arises, also keep your family members informed about such medicines so that they can take some action. The main problem here is if the throat gets swollen then there is no enough pathway for the air to pass through it and the patient feels suffocation. And if such emergency medicines are not available then with the help of spoon by sliding the smooth part inside the mouth over the tongue inside the throat and pressing it gently but firmly to keep the airway open. Such steps need to be taken by a skilled person who knows how to perform such action. If not done properly one may worse the situation more and anything fatal can happen. Medicines are to be taken according to the prescription given by the doctor.
Disclaimer: This website provides general information about allergies and in no means should be considered as a medical or health advice. Please consult your doctor or allergy specialist before acting on any of its information.
