Question

What are the clinical signs that a patient is suffering from anaphylatic shock? How should this condition be treated?

Answer 1

Anaphylaxis is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic response that is marked by swelling, hives, lowered blood pressure, and dilated blood vessels. In severe cases, a person will go into shock. If anaphylactic shock isn't treated immediately, it can be fatal.

This condition occurs when the immune system creates specific disease-fighting antibodies (called immunoglobulin E or IgE) toward a substance that is normally harmless, such as food. When you are first exposed to the substance, your body does not react, but it does produce the antibodies. When you are exposed to the substance again, the antibodies spring into action, releasing large amounts of a protein called histamine. Histamine causes the symptoms described above.

Answer 2

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis may begin with severe itching of the eyes or face and, within minutes, progress to more serious symptoms. These symptoms include swallowing and breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and angioedema (swelling similar to hives, but the swelling is beneath the skin instead of on the surface).

If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek emergency medical attention immediately. The condition can quickly result in an increased heart rate, sudden weakness, a drop in blood pressure, shock, and ultimately unconsciousness and death.

Answer 3

Common Triggers of Anaphylaxis

Food is generally the most common cause of anaphylaxis. Common food triggers include nuts, shellfish (shrimp, lobster), dairy products, egg whites, and sesame seeds. Wasp or bee stings are also common causes of anaphylaxis.

Additionally, exercise can trigger anaphylaxis if the activity occurs after eating allergy-provoking food.

Pollens and other inhaled allergens (allergy-causing substances) rarely cause anaphylaxis.

Some substances can cause reactions -- called anaphylactoid reactions -- that are similar to and just as serious as anaphylaxis, but do not involve immunoglobulin E antibodies. Common causes are fish, latex, and some medications, such as penicillin.

Answer 4

Treated with corticosteroids like (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone,or betamethasone )
Antihistamine like pheniramine(avil)
Intravenous fluid to maintain BP.......if needed.