Anaphylaxis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening, potentially severe allergic reaction. It tends to occur within minutes or seconds of contact to something an individual is allergic to, for example a peanut.
During anaphylaxis, the chemical overflow released by the immune system can cause shock. Symptoms of the condition tend to occur rapidly and include vomiting, nausea, skin rash and a weak pulse. Few triggers include specific foods, certain medications, latex and insect venom.
Anaphylaxis needs an instant visit to the nearest emergency department plus an epinephrine injection. In case it is not treated immediately, it can result in unconsciousness or death.

What are the Symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

The symptoms mostly occur within few minutes or even seconds of contact to the allergen. The symptoms include:
• Skin reactions such as pale or flushed skin, rash with itching.
• Fainting or dizziness.
• Vomiting, nausea or diarrhea.
• A rapid weak pulse.
• Airways constriction.
• Swollen throat or tongue that can cause trouble breathing and wheezing.

What Causes Anaphylaxis?

Few common causes that trigger anaphylaxis are:
• Shellfish and fish.
• Foods, including tree nuts and peanuts.
• Dairy products.
• Latex.
• Eggs.
• Medications.
• Insect stings, for example those from bees, wasps plus insect bites (ants etc)
In few cases, exercise, mostly after consuming allergy causing foods can trigger anaphylaxis.

What are the Risk Factors of Anaphylaxis?

Few things which can increase the risk of anaphylaxis are:
• Asthma or allergies.
• Have experienced the condition before.
• Family history.

What are the Complications of Anaphylaxis?

The anaphylactic reaction is always life-threatening and serious when such severe attack tends to occur. In addition to this, it can stop your heartbeat or breathing. In such a case, you will need immediate emergency treatment.

How is Anaphylaxis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of anaphylaxis is based on the symptoms. An Individual who has experienced an allergic reaction in the past is more likely to experience a severe allergic reaction in the future.

What are the differential Diagnoses of Anaphylaxis?

Differential diagnosis of anaphylaxis includes:
• Pheochromocytoma.
• Mastocytosis systemic.
• Agnioedema.

How is Anaphylaxis Treated?

During the attack, the medical emergency team can perform CPR, in case the heart stop beating or the patient has stop breathing. Following treatment options can help the patient recover from the attack of anaphylaxis.
• Epinephrine: will greatly help to reduce the allergic response of the body.
• Oxygen: will help balance the limited breathing.
• Cortisone and intravenous antihistamine: will improve breathing and reduce the inflammation of air passages.
• Beta-agonist: will relieve breathing difficulty.

Prevention:

The ideal way to avoid severe allergic reactions is to simply avoid food or substances that cause them. Moreover, follow the below mentioned pointers for safety purpose:
• Always wear or carry your medical alert bracelet.
• Inform your doctor regarding any drug allergies.
• Make an emergency kit stocked with all your prescribed medications.
• Always carry your emergency kit wherever you travel.
• Always keep some spare prescribed medications in your emergency kit.

 

By : Natural Health News