Anaphylaxis is a systemic allergic reaction that is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It is the most dangerous form of allergic reaction. An anaphylactic reaction can occur when the body is exposed to allergenic substances. While different factors can cause this condition in children and adults, bee stings, foods and medicines can often cause this condition. Depending on age, there may be a differentiation in the foods that cause this condition.
When exposed to allergens, chemicals secreted by the immune system enter the bloodstream in a short period of time and cause the person to go into shock. It is a condition that can affect all parts of the body. The person may experience different reactions. Pulse rate may drop and breathing may be difficult. Emergency intervention ensures that the patient's vital functions recover and survive.
What are the Symptoms of Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylactic reactions, the reactions given by the body, usually occur within a short period of time after exposure to an allergenic substance. In some cases, this can last up to two hours, but it can also occur within seconds.
Common symptoms also include sudden changes in the skin and dizziness that can occur suddenly.
In addition to these, the symptoms of anaphylaxis that are usually encountered and occur in cases can be listed as follows:
- Skin redness, itching
- Pale appearance of the skin and rash
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Difficulty breathing and chest tightness
- Cough and bruising
- Decreased pulse rate
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Fainting and going into shock
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stomach problems and cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
It is a condition that requires very rapid intervention. For this reason, it is important that the patient's family members and close environment are also informed about this disease and the intervention that needs to be done.
What Causes Anaphylaxis?
The task of the immune system is to produce antibodies against any factor that may come from outside the body. This protects the body against bacteria and viruses. However, some people's immune systems can also react too strongly to substances that do not cause allergic reactions.
Allergy symptoms are usually not life-threatening. However, in some cases, severe and severe allergic reactions can be among the causes of anaphylaxis.
Among the most common triggers in children are foods such as bee stings, milk, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, nuts and walnuts.
In adults, in addition to triggering foods, antibiotic use, aspirin and drug use, different painkillers and some drugs containing intravenous contrast agents preferred in some imaging techniques, bee stings or stings of different insect species, spider poisoning and especially latex.
Rarely known causes include exercise and excessive physical activity.
This can be caused by consuming certain foods before exercise or exercising in humid or cold weather. Therefore, a specialist should be consulted about the precautions to be taken during exercise.
When the cause of the reactions is unknown, some tests can identify which substance causes this condition. However, in some patients, the cause of this condition cannot be determined.
The risk of an anaphylactic reaction arises as a result of experiencing this situation in the past and being exposed to the substance that causes the allergic reaction again. In addition, asthma or pre-existing allergies may increase the likelihood of developing the problem.
How to prevent anaphylaxis?
One of the most important ways to prevent an anaphylactic reaction is to avoid substances that cause allergic reactions. People can wear a medical alert, necklace or bracelet indicating which drugs or substances they are allergic to as a means of protection.
People should carry an emergency kit with them and it is important that it contains prescription medicines. What should be in the kit should be learned by the doctor. It is also vital to check the expiration date of the existing epinephrine (adrenaline auto-injector).
Insects that cause allergies should be avoided. Do not stand or walk on grass or soil without any protection or barefoot. The person should prefer long clothes.
In cases of food allergy, the labels of the food to be consumed should be checked. Foods that have caused allergies in the past should be avoided. In addition, it should be learned how the ready-to-eat foods to be consumed outside are prepared and should not be consumed if there is any substance that may cause allergies.
How is anaphylaxis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is based on symptoms and clinical findings. The doctor asks some questions to the patient. These questions include whether any allergenic substance or food has been taken, whether there are insect or bee stings. In addition to these, this condition can be diagnosed by asking different questions.
No examination or test is required. Deaths from anaphylactic shock usually occur within 1 to 2 hours after exposure to the allergen. Therefore, early diagnosis and early intervention at the time of the event is vital.
The medical history of the person is obtained and any exposure to substances that may have triggered the condition is investigated. After the intervention, the condition is determined and diagnosed through a number of tests.
How is anaphylaxis treated?
Since allergic reactions can progress very quickly, the person may go into shock and faint. Therefore, urgent medical intervention is required. In such cases, the priority in treatment planning is to increase the pulse rate and breathing.
Anaphylaxis treatment is basically done with adrenaline injection. The dose of this injection is determined by the doctor. It can be calculated depending on the age and weight of the person. This method, which is generally preferred, prevents risky situations and contributes to controlling the situation.
In some cases, intermittent injections may be required, so it is important to do this under the supervision of a physician. It is important for the patient's life that the person's family and environment are experienced, knowledgeable and very fast in such situations.
Symptoms that may pose a risk to life should be learned in the early stages and it should be known how to intervene. If you suspect that such situations may occur, it is important to seek help from allergy and immunology specialist doctors immediately.