Anaphylactic shock, also known as anaphylaxis, is a severe allergic reaction that comes in a few seconds, or minutes, after being in contact with an allergy, such as shrimp, bee venom or some medications, for example.
In these cases, the symptoms appear quickly and include:
- Difficulty breathing with wheezing;
- Itching and redness on the skin;
- Swelling of the mouth, eyes and nose;
- Feeling of ball in the throat;
- Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting;
- Increased heart rate;
- Dizziness and feeling faint;
- Intense sweating;
- Confusion or fainting.
Due to the severity of the symptoms and the increased risk of being unable to breathe, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid endangering the life of the victim. See what other types of shock there are and what your symptoms are.
Thus, an ambulance should be called immediately, calling the 192, stay calm and lie down on the side, if you faint, as indicated in first aid for this situation.
Treatment for anaphylactic shock
Treatment for anaphylactic shock should be done as soon as possible in the emergency room or in a hospital, with the injection of subcutaneous adrenaline and the use of an oxygen mask to aid breathing.
In more severe cases, where swelling of the throat prevents air from passing into the lungs, a cricothyroidostomy is necessary, which is a surgical procedure to cut throat and maintain breathing in order to avoid severe brain changes.
After treatment, the patient may need to be hospitalized for a few hours to observe all signs and symptoms, preventing anaphylactic shock from occurring again.
What to do if you have had an anaphylactic shock
After having an anaphylactic shock it is advised to consult an allergist to identify the substance that is causing such a severe allergic reaction. Usually, substances that cause this type of shock include:
- Some medicines, such as Penicillin, Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Naproxen;
- Food such as peanuts, nuts, almonds, wheat, fish, shellfish, milk and eggs;
- Insect bites such as bees, wasps and ants.
In less frequent cases, the shock can also happen when one is in contact with latex, some medications used in anesthesia or contrast used diagnostic tests.
After identifying the cause of the allergic reaction, the most important thing is to avoid being in contact with this substance again. However, in cases where there is a greater risk of life or when it is very difficult to avoid contact with the substance, the doctor may also prescribe an injection of Epinephrine that should always be with the person with allergy and can be used whenever the first symptoms of shock appear.
These substances do not always cause an anaphylactic shock, so look for the mildest symptoms of allergy:
- Allergy Symptoms
- Symptoms of food allergy
