Have you ever seen someone eat something or get bitten by an insect and then suddenly feel sick, have trouble breathing, and feel anxious? Maybe you have a mild allergy. But today we are not talking about such a simple thing, but about the most severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. We call this anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency . Therefore, it is very important for you and your loved ones to know about this.
Simply put, what is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis, sometimes called anaphylactic shock, is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. If you have this type of reaction, you should get a dose of epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) as soon as possible. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal.
Epinephrine can control these severe symptoms within minutes. If that doesn't work, a second dose may be given within 30 minutes. This medication is available with a prescription from a doctor. It comes in easy-to-use injector pens and nasal sprays.
Very important: Never take antihistamine tablets (e.g., Piritan) alone for an anaphylactic reaction like this. It is not enough.
Anaphylaxis is a relatively rare condition, but some people are more likely to develop it. If you have an allergy to a drug or latex, you should tell your doctor before any medical treatment, even a dentist. It's also a good idea to carry a card with information about your allergy or wear a medical alert bracelet.
If you have had anaphylaxis before, your risk of having it again is higher. And if someone in your family has had the condition or you have asthma, your risk is even higher.
Let's identify the stages in which this dangerous situation develops.
An anaphylactic reaction usually progresses through several stages. But it can also happen very quickly. Symptoms start out mild and get worse over time. So if you recognize the symptoms early, you can get help before the situation gets worse.
| Stage | Symptoms you are experiencing |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 (mild symptoms) | It can be hard to tell if this is anaphylaxis or just a normal allergy. You may experience itching, hives, and a runny nose. If you know you're at risk, watch out for these symptoms. |
| Stage 2 (most widespread symptoms) | The symptoms are now a little more severe, spreading to more areas of the body. The lesions can appear all over the body. The face, lips, and tongue swell. The eyes water. It becomes difficult to swallow. Stomach aches, vomiting, or diarrhea may also occur. At this stage, you should definitely seek medical advice. |
| Stage 3 (severe symptoms) | It becomes very difficult to breathe. You may feel pain in your chest. Your pulse rate may slow down (weak pulse). You may feel dizzy, faint, or even lose consciousness. This is what we call anaphylactic shock. |
| Stage 4 (life-threatening) | This is the most dangerous stage. Blood pressure drops dramatically. Pulse is very weak. The airways swell, making it difficult to breathe properly, and blood circulation is impaired. This condition can lead to a heart attack or even death. |
What are the main symptoms of anaphylaxis?
Although the initial symptoms may seem like a normal allergic reaction (rash, hives), more severe symptoms can develop within about 30 minutes. More than one of the following symptoms is usually present:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Chest pain , itching, or tightness
- Loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, or weakness
- Hives, skin redness and itching
- Nasal congestion or runny nose and sneezing
- Difficulty breathing and rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
- Swelling and itching of the lips or tongue
- Swelling of the throat, hoarseness , difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps
- Weak pulse, pale skin
- Slurring of words while speaking
- Complete loss of consciousness
Some people say that before this terrible situation occurred, they felt a sense of doom, as if "something terrible was going to happen."
Sometimes, a second reaction can occur within 12 hours of the first reaction. This is called biphasic anaphylaxis.
Why does this happen? What are the reasons?
Simply put, anaphylaxis is an overreaction of our body's immune system to something that is actually harmless (e.g. food). This may not happen the first time the substance enters the body, but over time, this reaction can become severe.
Common causes among children
Food is the main cause of anaphylaxis in children.
- Peanuts
- Seafood (Shellfish - like shrimp, crab, squid)
- Fish
- Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- Wheat
Common causes among adults
In adults, this condition can often be caused by medications .
- Seafood (Shellfish)
- Tree nuts like cashews, almonds, and pecans
- Peanuts
Other common causes
- Medications: Penicillin (injectable rather than pill form), some anesthetics, painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen, and anticonvulsants.
- Insect stings: Stings from animals such as bees, wasps, and hornets.
- Latex: Found in hospital gloves, balloons, and other items. Some people may have a reaction to even just smelling these.
Sometimes the cause cannot be found. We call this idiopathic anaphylaxis.
How does the doctor know if this is anaphylaxis?
If you think you have a severe allergy or are at risk of anaphylaxis, be sure to see a doctor. He or she will ask you about your allergies and may also run some tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- Blood tests: These measure the level of an enzyme called tryptase. This level can be elevated in the blood for up to 3 hours after anaphylaxis.
- Skin tests: These tests are done to see if you are allergic to various foods and chemicals.
Emergency care and hospital treatment
The most effective and immediate treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine . If you are at risk, you should always carry at least two doses of epinephrine prescribed by your doctor.
What to do in an emergency?
If you or someone else develops symptoms of anaphylaxis, administer epinephrine immediately . Then, whether or not the symptoms resolve completely and quickly, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) or call an ambulance immediately . There is a risk of a biphasic reaction.
In the hospital, you may need further treatment:
- Giving oxygen to help with breathing.
- Administer intravenous fluids and steroids or antihistamines.
- Inhaling vapors of medication such as Albuterol to make breathing easier.
You may be kept under observation in the hospital for a few hours to see if a second reaction occurs.
How to prevent recurrence?
The best thing to do is find out exactly what you're allergic to and avoid it completely.
- Emergency kit: Always keep the epinephrine injector or nasal spray prescribed by your doctor nearby. Renew the medication before it expires.
- Inform your doctors: Tell all your doctors (including your dentist) about your allergies.
- Check food labels: If you have food allergies, read the labels on the items you buy at the store carefully. Ask about it before ordering food at a restaurant.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet: This lets others know about your condition and helps in an emergency.
Even with all of this, you may still be exposed to something you are allergic to without even realizing it. So it's important for you, your family, and your friends to know what to do if that happens.
Take-Home Message
- Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
- Identify exactly what triggers you are allergic to and avoid them.
- If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, always carry at least two doses of epinephrine prescribed by your doctor.
- Use epinephrine as soon as symptoms appear and go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Inform family, friends, and workplace people about your condition and explain to them what to do in an emergency.
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