Anaphylaxis
An anaphylactic attack or anaphylaxis is a severe type of allergic reaction. In the process of fighting a foreign agent, the body produces a large number of chemicals that cause harm to the body itself. About one fourth of the anaphylactic attacks seen do not have any specific cause. Certain medicines (e.g. Penicillin), an insect bite (e.g. bee sting), certain foods (e.g. peanuts) or certain products (e.g. Latex rubber) are some of the common trigger factors. Tick bite is known to aggravate red meat allergy and cause delayed anaphylaxis. For people who’re allergic to latex, condoms (especially when used during oral sex) could even lead to anaphylaxis.
It’s a very rare condition, the lifetime risk being roughly 1%. That is approximately 1 in 2000 people/year. Most people might not experience it in their lifetime at all. But its incidence is increasing, especially to food substances.
Causes
The culprit may be –
- Certain medicines (eg. Penicillin),
- An insect bite (eg. bee sting),
- Certain foods (eg. peanuts)
- Other products (eg. Latex rubber).
Although these are the common causes, there is scientific data that says that about one fourth of the anaphylactic attacks seen don't have any specific cause.
Symptoms
The symptoms may vary from mild to severe ones. The person may have –
- Skin swelling and rash
- Flushing and itching
- Swelling of face or tongue and running nose
- Hoarseness of voice and chest tightness
- Breathlessness and fast heart beats
- Severe anxiety or feeling of ‘impending doom’
- Pain in abdomen and loose motions
- Light headedness and giddiness or unconsciousness.
- The swelling of the tongue combined with unconsciousness may lead to fatal respiratory conditions.
Treatment
The affected person should be removed from the environment or moved away from the substance that has caused anaphylaxis. If the person has had a previous episode of anaphylaxis and has epinephrine (adrenaline) injection with them, then it can be given in the muscle in mid-thigh area. If one does not have access to this medication, emergency medical care should be sought.
Until emergency medical aid arrives, the patient should be made to lie down with his/her legs elevated (raised above the level of their chest). Calm him/her down. This will help reduce the rate of their breathing, helping them cope better with the situation. If the patient is asthmatic and has an inhaler, it can be used to reduce his/her breathlessness.
Lastly if the person doesn’t have a pulse or stops breathing, perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) , till the time help arrives. (Read: No stings attached! Home remedies for insect bites)
Complications
An anaphylactic attack is a medical emergency. Hence the patient must visit a doctor immediately, since a severe reaction can lead to death. The doctor will then be able to immediately administer an adrenaline injection and give the patient anti-allergic medications (anti-histaminics/steroids), nebulisation, oxygen or intravenous fluids if required.
Prevention
More importantly, after recovery, the person must take care not to get re-exposed to the causative allergen. As a precaution a patient with a severe allergy should carry an identity card or bracelet, that mentions his/her allergy and susceptibility to anaphylaxisis .
A known patient of anaphylaxis should also carry anti-allergic medicine (anti-histaminics) and adrenaline injection for self administration, in the case of an emergency.
More About Anaphylaxis
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It is possible for adults and children to be allergic to antibiotics.
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What if a simple jog in the morning could kill you? Exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a real thing!
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Did you know that few food allergies not only lead to adverse reactions but also may be life-threatening.
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Anaphylactic attack or anaphylaxis is a severe type of allergic reaction. Dr Dhiraj Bhattad tells us how to manage it.
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Did you know that condoms could seriously put your life in jeopardy?
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Insect bites can be painful and if they happen on a trip- it can take away the fun of adventure. Here are some first aid options for insect bites.
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Admin, October 07, 2014 at 05:59pm
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Admin, October 07, 2014 at 05:59pm
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