Anaphylactic shock, also known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic reaction, is a severe allergic reaction that occurs within seconds, or minutes, after being in contact with a substance to which you are allergic, such as shrimp, bee venom, some medications or foods, for example.
In these cases, symptoms appear quickly and include:
- Difficulty breathing with wheezing; Itching and redness of the skin; Swelling of the mouth, eyes and nose; Ball sensation in the throat; Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting; Increased heartbeat; Dizziness and feeling faint; Intense sweating; Confusion.
Due to the severity of symptoms and the increased risk of being unable to breathe, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid putting the victim's life at risk. See what other types of shock exist and what their symptoms are.
In these cases, an ambulance should be called immediately, calling 192, keeping calm and putting the victim on his side if he passes out, as indicated in the first aid for this situation.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for anaphylactic shock should be done as soon as possible in the emergency room or in a hospital, with the injection of adrenaline and the use of an oxygen mask to aid breathing.
In the most severe cases, where the swelling of the throat prevents the passage of air to the lungs, it is necessary to perform a cricothyroidostomy, which is a surgical procedure in which a cut is made in the throat, which makes it possible to keep breathing, in order to avoid severe brain changes.
After treatment, it may be necessary for the patient to stay in the hospital for a few hours to observe all signs and symptoms, preventing anaphylactic shock from recurring.
What to do if you have ever had anaphylactic shock
After having an anaphylactic shock it is recommended to consult an allergist to identify the substance that is causing such a severe allergic reaction. Typically, substances that cause this type of shock include:
- Some remedies, such as Penicillin, Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Naproxen; Food, such as peanuts, nuts, almonds, wheat, fish, seafood, milk and eggs; Insect bites, such as bees, wasps and ants.
In less frequent cases, shock can also happen when in contact with latex, some medications used in anesthesia or contrast used in diagnostic tests.
After identifying the cause of the allergic reaction, the most important thing is to avoid getting back in contact with this substance. 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 must always be with the person with allergy, and can be used whenever the first symptoms of shock appear.
These substances do not always cause anaphylactic shock, and can only cause allergic reactions, which should be kept in mind, to avoid complications. Know the most common allergy symptoms.
