Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock occurs due to Anaphylaxis. This condition occurs when your body severely reacts to a substance, and on contact, you start experiencing a life-threatening reaction. When this happens, your body will release some chemicals. There are various serious consequences and complications for these conditions. If you are unable to visit an immunologist in time, this can be very dangerous as anaphylactic shocks can be fatal.

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Causes of Anaphylactic Shock

When your antibodies consider or overreact with food or any other harmless substance called allergens, it causes Anaphylaxis. Antibodies are the special body cells that attack and destroy infections such as bacteria or viruses that enter the body. You may not react when you come in contact with it as this will make antibodies active. However, when the next time that substance enters your body, the immune system overreacts and causes symptoms.

Children mostly suffer from anaphylactic shock due to food. The most common food children react to include wheat, soy, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, or peanuts. However, in adults, peanuts, tree nuts (such as almonds, pine nuts, pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts), or shellfish, can lead to anaphylactic shock as well.

You may experience Anaphylaxis due to various allergens. Allergens are substances that are not harmful, but your body treats that substance as a threat. Here are some allergens that your body may find allergic:

• Pollen from grass, tree, and ragweed
• Touching and inhaling protein particles from latex. These protein particles are available in balloons, gloves, and rubber bands.
• The sting from insects can also cause you a severe anaphylactic shock.

The immune system of many people also reacts to the following substances:

• Hazelnut
• Celery
• Kiwi
• Potato
• Peanuts
• Melons
• Chestnuts
• Papaya

Sometimes a combination of various foods along with breathing allergens can cause severe anaphylactic shock. So you need to be aware of what things you are allergic to and avoid those substances.

Symptoms

When you are in contact with a substance you are allergic to, you will start experiencing the symptoms immediately. The initial symptoms include runny nose and uneasiness. However, if you are still in contact with the substance, you will develop severe symptoms such as:

• You will experience an increase in your heartbeat
• You might faint
• You will experience dizziness
• You will start vomiting
• Difficulty in breathing and tightness in the chest
• The mouth will also swell
• You may also develop hives

When your condition is worse, you may faint and stop breathing. You might lose your consciousness and require urgent medical attention.

Treatment for Anaphylactic Shock

When you are experiencing an anaphylactic shock, the first thing that you need to do is to inject epinephrine, which will give you a bit of control. After that, you need to visit the immunologist so that you can receive more adrenaline through IV. Antihistamines and glucocorticoids are also effective with this condition. These medications will help you reduce the inflammation in your esophagus and restore your ability to breathe.

Immunologists might also give you beta-agonists so that you can breathe easily. You can get enough oxygen by receiving supplemental oxygen. An immunologist will also treat any complication that you may experience after having an anaphylactic shock.

Prevention

You can avoid anaphylactic shocks by preventing the following practices:

• You can wear a tag or a card around your neck. This will show everyone that you are allergic to specific substances.
• Always keep your emergency kit along with you so that you can relieve from anaphylactic shocks and contact the immunologist. There are various injectors and shots that you can always carry for use when you are in an emergency.
• You need to alert your immunologist whenever you go through anaphylactic shock.
• Allergies from the sting of the insects need more care. For instance, you should wear long sleeves while going out, keep your windows and doors closed, etc.
• For food allergies, you need to read the ingredients of the product you are using.
• While visiting the restaurant, you should inform the waiter about the food that is allergic so that they can suggest only the food that does not include that item as an ingredient. You should remember that even a small quantity can trigger your allergy.

Conclusion

When you find someone experiencing anaphylactic shock, you need to immediately contact an immunologist and seek help. Sometimes when you take epinephrine doses, you still need medical attention or further care, so visit the immunologist after the attack. Various medications can help you relive instantly. However, before using any medication, always consult with the immunologist to avoid any risk of reaction.

Do you need to consult with an immunologist about an allergic reaction? If so, please contact us at 212-319-5282, or visit our offices in Midtown New York City. You can also schedule a telehealth consultation with our immunologist, Dr. Boyan Hadjiev, to discuss your condition.

 

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Sources

https://www.healthline.com/health/anaphylactic-shock#treatment
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/anaphylactic-shock-facts#
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/understanding-anaphylaxis-treatment