Anaphylaxis also known as anaphylactic shock
is a severe potentially fatal allergic reaction.
The whole body is affected, usually within
minutes of exposure to the allergen but
sometimes after hours. There is a sudden
drop in blood pressure and narrowing of
the airways. Anaphylaxis can be triggered
by a wide range of foods including peanuts,
nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy products,
eggs and strawberries also by wasp or bee
stings, natural latex (rubber) and certain
drugs such as the antibiotic penicillin.
Symptoms
The following symptoms
may occur when exposed to an allergen: -
- Swollen face, lips,
and tongue and throat.
- Wheezing and difficulty
breathing and talking
- Sudden feeling
of extreme anxiety or apprehension,
- An itchy nettle-rash
(uticaria, hives)
- Faintness or unconsciousness
due to very low blood pressure
- Abdominal cramps,
vomiting or diarrhoea
- Swelling of on
area larger than the sting site, nausea
and fever
- Anaphylactic shock
leading to death due to obstruction to
breathing or extreme low blood pressure
Causes
Anaphylactic shock
occurs because the body's immune system
over-reacts in response to the presence
of a foreign body. Entry of the allergen
into the blood stream provokes the release
of massive amounts of histamine and other
chemicals. The blood vessels widen, leading
to a sudden severe lowering of blood pressure
and constriction of the airways in the lungs.
Treatment
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Anaphylaxis
