Anaphylaxis - Severe Allergic Reaction
Anaphylaxis is a swift, life-threatening allergic reaction that may occur in various allergic diseases.
Though uncommon (it is estimated to occur in about 0.05% to 2% of the population at least once in life), since the phenomenon is life-threatening, it is important to know what the main reasons for this allergic reaction are, what you can do to prevent it, and how what to do in the moment of true.
Causes of anaphylactic shock
The most common cause of anaphylaxis in infants, children and teenagers is an allergic sensitivity to food. This type of reaction can occur in case of consumption of allergenic food, even it is a small portion.
Another common cause is allergic sensitivity to medications. On rare occasions, anaphylaxis may occur following a vaccination (approximately one incident per one million vaccinations) as a result of an acute allergic reaction to one or more of its substances.
Occasionally, the cause remains unknown, even after extensive testing and is known as idiopathic anaphylaxis (when there are no known cause or triggers).
Symptoms
Anaphylaxis is defined as an allergic reaction involving at least one of these body system: the skin, respiratory system, blood vessels, digestive system and nervous system. Possible symptoms:
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Rash, swelling and irritation of the skin -
Swelling of the lips, tongue or in the mouth -
Shortness of breath, cough and wheezing -
Weak pulse, pallor or cyanosis, disorientation or loss of consciousness -
Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea -
Burning sensation or swelling of the throat
Anaphylaxis may be life-threatening if treatment is not immediately administered.
Treatment
If you experience symptoms that may indicate anaphylaxis, a swift response is critical!
Anyone with a known allergy that might deteriorate into anaphylaxis is told to keep an epinephrine (adrenalin) injection with them at all times. When children are involved, the parents must make sure that the injection is available everywhere the child goes.
If there is suspected exposure to a substance that the person is known to be allergic to, for example a food product, and the first symptoms of anaphylaxis occur – use the injection. An immediate response is critical, and a quick injection can save lives and prevent complications.
Adrenalin neutralizes the allergic reaction: it raises blood pressure, expands the bronchi and reduces swelling (edema) in the respiratory tract. Adrenalin’s effect in the body lasts approximately 20 minutes, after which the allergic symptoms may return, making it important to evacuate to the nearest emergency room within fifteen minutes, where the patient will be under medical supervision and an additional dose will be administered if necessary.
Recommendations for prevention
Anaphylaxis is a swift, life-threatening reaction. It is therefore critical to make the efforts required to prevent it.
If you have been diagnosed with any allergy or if a family member has a known allergy, it is important to adhere to the preventive measures:
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Avoid exposure
It is important to completely prevent exposure (such as eating food, taking medication) to a substance that is a known allergen and to similar substances. Make sure to check labels and ingredients of all food or medications and avoid taking food that does not list their content.
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Keep an EpiPen with you at all times
Do not forget to regularly keep with you at all times an EpiPen, and make sure to renew the medical prescription once it expires. Children over the age of 12 should be trained to inject themselves. In some cases, this is possible at younger ages – depending on the child’s readiness and medical recommendation.
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Update the educational staff
It is important to inform the educational staff in preschool and elementary school of the allergy.
In addition, according to law, educational institutions and public venues must keep an epinephrine injector readily available for emergencies.
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Medical follow-up
It is important that the allergy be diagnosed by an allergy specialist and to adhere to regular follow-ups, including establishing a personalized plan of action for emergencies and to practice use with a dummy injection.
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Medical ID bracelet
A medical ID bracelet should be worn that lists the allergens.
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Note!
Adhering to these principles saves lives!
The information was written in conjunction with the Israel Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Hebrew).