Anaphylaxis (anaphylaxis): Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction caused by different allergenic substances such as medications, foods or insect bites, among others. Can be life threatening if it is not treated immediately.
Next we will explain what is anphylaxis or anaphylaxis what are its most common causes, what symptoms does it cause, how is the diagnosis made, what is the treatment applied to alleviate its symptoms, what is the prognosis it may entail and what preventions can be taken to avoid it.
Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that progresses rapidly and endangers the life of the sufferer The immune system responds to substances that would otherwise be harmless to the environment (allergens).
Unlike other allergic reactions, however, anaphylaxis can kill. The reaction can begin within minutes or even seconds after exposure, and progresses rapidly to cause airway constriction, intestinal and skin irritation, and altered heart rhythms. In severe cases, it can result in complete airway obstruction, shock, and death.
Common causes
Allergens are more likely to cause anaphylaxis if they are introduced directly into the circulatory system by injection. However, exposure through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact can also cause anaphylaxis. In some cases, anaphylaxis can develop over time from less severe allergies.
Anaphylaxis is most often due to allergens in food, drugs, and insect venom Specific causes include:
Likewise, exposure to cold or exercise can trigger an anaphylaxis response in some people.
Symptoms develop quickly, usually within seconds or minutes. Anaphylaxis may include any of the following symptoms listed below. Still, not everyone has to be present.
Diagnosis
Anaphylactic reaction is diagnosed based on the rapid development of symptoms in response to a suspected allergen Its identification can be done with the RAST test. It is a blood test that identifies IgE (immunoglobulin type E) reactions to specific allergens. Skin testing may be performed for less severe anaphylactic reactions.
Treatment
Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis involves the adrenaline injection (epinephrine) which constricts blood vessels and counteracts the effects of histamine. Oxygen may be administered, as well as intravenous replacement fluids.
Antihistamines can be used for skin rash and aminophylline for bronchial constriction. If the upper airway is obstructed, a breathing tube or tracheostomy tube may need to be placed.
Forecast and expectations
Anaphylaxis can be fatal without prompt treatment. Symptoms usually improve with appropriate therapy, so It is important to act immediately
The rapidity of symptom development is an indication of the possible severity of the reaction: the faster the symptoms develop, the more severe the final reaction. Going to the doctor urgently and close monitoring reduce the probability of death in anaphylaxis. Therefore, most people who receive prompt treatment they recover completely
If not acted quickly, anaphylaxis can obstruct airways, cause cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, or fatal anaphylactic shock
Prevention: what can we do to avoid it?
The main reliable method for preventing anaphylaxis and allergic reactions is to avoid the allergic trigger, such as foods and medications, that have caused an allergic reaction in the past.
For insect allergies, this requires recognition of likely nesting sites. Preventing food allergies requires knowledge of the prepared foods or dishes in which the allergen is likely to occur, and careful questioning of ingredients when eating out
If you have a child who is allergic to certain foods, you can introduce one new food at a time in small amounts so that an allergic reaction can be recognized.
People prone to anaphylaxis should carry an “Epipen” or “Ana-kit”, which contain a dose of adrenaline ready for injection. As well as a medical identification tag.
