Learn about Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction

Have you ever had a few bites of chickpeas, a shrimp curry, or a wasp sting and suddenly your whole body is itching, your eyes and lips are swollen? Or has this happened to someone you know? Although you may think this is a normal allergy, sometimes it can be much more dangerous than that. Today we are talking about this severe, even life-threatening allergic condition, called anaphylaxis . Being aware of this will help save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Simply put, anaphylaxis is a very serious, sudden, and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that affects the entire body. It's not like a normal rash or a red rash. What's happening here is that our immune system goes a little too far.

Imagine, when something that is normally harmless to our body, for example a food, a medicine, or an insect venom, enters our body, our immune system mistakes it for a big enemy. Then, to fight against that "enemy", our body makes a special protein (antibody) called `Immunoglobulin E` or `IgE`. The next time the same allergen enters the body, it binds to the `IgE` that was previously made, and suddenly a large amount of powerful chemicals called `histamines` are released into the body. Those chemicals are what cause all these terrible symptoms.

This can cause the blood vessels to suddenly dilate, causing a significant drop in blood pressure. If this condition becomes severe, it can lead to anaphylactic shock , and even death if not treated immediately.

What are the symptoms of this?

These symptoms usually appear within minutes to hours of exposure to the allergen, and they can become severe very quickly.

It may start with intense itching of the eyes or face. Within minutes, the condition can become severe. A person may have difficulty swallowing and breathing. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur.

Let's learn more about these symptoms from the table below.

What can cause anaphylaxis?

There are several main causes of this. The most common are foods and insect bites.

• Foods: Nuts like peanuts and cashews, seafood like shrimp, crab, and lobster, cow's milk, eggs (especially egg whites), and sesame seeds are the main ones.
• Insect stings : This condition can also be caused by wasp and bee stings.
• Medications: Some painkillers and antibiotics can also cause similar reactions.
• Exercise: Some people are at risk of developing this condition if they exercise shortly after eating an allergic food.

In addition, there are also things that do not involve IgE antibodies, but that cause severe reactions similar to anaphylaxis (anaphylactoid reactions).

• Iodine-containing dyes used in tests such as X-rays.
• Aspirin and other painkillers from the `Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)` group.
• Some strong painkillers (`Opioid` drugs).
• Blood transfusions.
• Sometimes it can be caused by just exercising for no reason.

What is emergency treatment? This is the most important thing!

This part is very important because anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you get the right treatment at the right time, it can save a life.

Once the vaccine is given, symptoms begin to subside. Doctors advise people who are at risk of severe allergic reactions to keep this vaccine with them at all times. It comes in an easy-to-use device called an ``auto-injector.'' You can inject yourself into the back of your thigh in an emergency.

What should you do?

1. Act immediately if in doubt: If you have even the slightest suspicion that you are having a severe allergic reaction like this, don't think twice about getting vaccinated. Even if you are not sure whether it is an allergy or not, get vaccinated to be safe. It won't do any harm.

2. Help someone else: If you see someone near you having this condition, and they have an auto-injector and are unable to use it, you can help them inject it.

3. Go to the hospital immediately: Even if you get the vaccine, it alone will not cure the infection. Symptoms may recur. Therefore, immediately after getting the vaccine, you should go to the emergency room (ETU) of the nearest hospital. There, you will be given additional treatment, such as intravenous fluids, medications to help your heart and blood circulation, and additional medications such as antihistamines and steroids.

How am I prepared for this?

If you have a history of severe allergies, it's best to be prepared and not panic.

• Talk to your doctor: If you have a severe allergic reaction to something like a wasp sting, talk to your doctor about getting an epinephrine injection kit. Ask them exactly how to use it.
• Keep two vaccines handy: It is wise to always keep two vaccines handy. Sometimes, a second one may be needed if the first one does not control the disease.
• Avoid allergens: Stay away from foods, drinks, and medications that you know you are allergic to. When buying food at the store, ask about the ingredients.
• Inform everyone: Keep your family, friends, and work colleagues informed about your condition and how to use the vaccine in an emergency.
• Tell your doctors in advance: Even if you are going to see a dentist, tell your doctor about any drug allergies you have before undergoing any medical treatment.
• Wear a Medical Alert: It's important to keep a medical alert bracelet, necklace, or card that mentions your allergies. It could save your life if you can't communicate in an emergency.

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