About Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis refers to an extremely serious and life threatening allergic reaction which occurs within seconds of exposure to a potential allergen. Peanuts and beestings are some of the allergens known to cause a reaction as severe as Anaphylaxis.
During Anaphylaxis, the immune system of the body releases chemical which sends the body into a state of shock. Aside from bee stings and peanuts, certain foods, medications, and latex are also known to trigger an anaphylactic reaction.
Immediate epinephrine is required with immediate treatment at the emergency room before the reaction turns fatal for the patient. Children and adults both can experience Anaphylaxis equally.
Delineated below are some of the presenting features of Anaphylaxis which when identified early enough can prevent the patient from going into a state of shock.
Presenting Features of Anaphylaxis
The presenting features of Anaphylaxis can be observed within seconds of exposure to the presumptive allergen. However, in some cases it can up to an hour for symptoms to occur after exposure. The first presenting feature of Anaphylaxis is presence of itchy skin rashes and the skin turning pale.
Next the blood pressure of the patient then starts to shoot down rapidly. The airways start to constrict resulting in difficulty breathing and an audible wheezing. The pulse of the patient then starts to go down. The patient starts having nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This is followed by the patient feeling dizzy or even becoming unconscious.
This requires immediate medical attention. Even if the symptoms of Anaphylaxis improve attention needs to be given to the patient to ensure there is no recurrence of symptoms. If there is a recurrence of Anaphylaxis without further exposure to any allergen known to cause this condition then it is termed as Biphasic Anaphylaxis.
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