Imagine you went to the grocery store with a friend and ate something like a peanut, or you got stung by a wasp while working in the garden. What if your body suddenly turned red, itchy, you had trouble breathing, and your lips started to swell? This is not a normal allergy. This is a life-threatening emergency. We call this anaphylaxis . If you are aware of this, you could save your life or someone else's.
What is anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock?
Simply put, anaphylaxis is an extreme, severe reaction by our body's immune system to something that is normally harmless (e.g., food, medicine). Our body thinks it has a big enemy invading our body, and it suddenly releases a large amount of chemicals to fight it off. This is what causes all of these severe symptoms.
"Anaphylactic Shock" is the most dangerous of these conditions. These chemicals cause our blood pressure to drop suddenly and dangerously. We call this ``Hypotension''. Then the brain and other vital organs do not receive the oxygen and blood they need. This is what becomes life-threatening.
The most important thing is that when this happens, time is of the essence. Every second that is delayed in getting treatment is precious.
How quickly can this happen?
It's incredibly fast. This severe reaction can begin within minutes of the allergen entering the body. It can take as little as half an hour. Anaphylaxis, especially from insect stings (wasps, hornets) or certain foods, can peak in as little as 5 to 10 minutes. That's why it's so important to take quick action.
What symptoms should we look out for?
One or more of these symptoms may appear suddenly. Sometimes, they may start as a mild, runny nose or a feeling of discomfort, and then suddenly become severe.
| Symptom | What is happening? |
|---|---|
| Skin changes | Hives, redness of the skin, severe itching. |
| Swelling (Angioedema) | Swelling of the lips, tongue, around the eyes, face, or throat. |
| Breathing difficulties | Feeling of tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing. |
| Heartbeat | Heart palpitations. |
| Stomach ache | Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting. |
| Other features | Dizziness , fainting, feeling like you are dying. |
Life-saving emergency treatment: Epinephrine
In anaphylactic shock, the first and most important treatment is an injection of the hormone epinephrine . This is also called adrenaline. For people with severe allergies, doctors recommend that you keep this in an auto-injector pen (like an EpiPen) at all times.
Why is epinephrine so important?
- Fast-acting: The vaccine takes effect within a few minutes of being administered.
- Reversal of effects: Reversing dangerous things that are happening in the body. For example, opening up blocked airways, restoring low blood pressure.
If you or someone you know has a severe allergy, it is essential to always carry an epinephrine injection and know how to use it.
When should you go to the hospital immediately?
Even if an epinephrine injection is given, in some cases immediate hospitalization is necessary.
- If the response is very severe: If the symptoms are very severe.
- If symptoms do not improve: If symptoms do not improve completely or significantly within a few minutes of vaccination.
- If symptoms recur: Symptoms may subside and then reappear a few hours later. This is called a 'Biphasic reaction' .
In any of these cases, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. At the ETU, doctors will monitor you and, if necessary, give you more epinephrine, intravenous fluids, and other medications (such as antihistamines and corticosteroids).
What are the main reasons for this situation?
Anaphylaxis is often caused by:
| Reason | Examples |
|---|---|
| Food | Nuts like peanuts and cashews, seafood like shrimp and crab, milk, and eggs. |
| Insect bites | Wasp, hornet, and bee stings. |
| Medicines | Antibiotics like Penicillin, painkillers like Aspirin. |
| Latex | Some rubber gloves are contained in socks, balloons, etc. |
Prevention and preparation
The best thing to do is to avoid the things you are allergic to. But that may not always be possible. Therefore, it is very important to be prepared for emergencies.
- Talk to your doctor: If you have a history of severe allergies, talk to your doctor about creating an emergency action plan. Also ask if you need to keep an epinephrine injection on hand.
- Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet: This will help others know about your allergy in case you are unable to communicate.
- Inform family and friends: This is very important. They need to know these things:
- What are you allergic to?
- What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?
- Where you keep your epinephrine injection and how to use it.
- When to go to ETU immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that occurs suddenly and can be life-threatening.
- Time is of the essence in this. Act as soon as symptoms appear.
- The main and first aid treatment is an epinephrine injection. If you have a severe allergic reaction, keep it with you at all times.
- Identify what you are allergic to and avoid them as much as possible.
- If you suspect that you or someone else is having an anaphylactic reaction, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately.
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