Anaphylaxis
- Severe, life- threatening allergic reaction.
- Occurs as a reaction to an allergen.
- Anaphylaxis releases various chemicals in body.
- Reactions occur in secs / mins of exposure.
- Occurs in 30 per 100,000 individuals per year.
Causes
- Food like nuts, milk, eggs, fish.
- Insect sting
- Latex
- Vaccines
- Medications like antibiotics, anesthetics.
- Some tropical insects, plants, animals
- Unknown causes
- Those with history of food allergy.
- Those with family history of allergies.
- Those who have experienced prior attack.
NOTE
On first exposure-allergen specific antibody, Ig-E, produced.
On re-exposure, Ig-E triggers immune response.
This immune response is anaphylaxis.
Symptoms
- Tingling / warm sensation
- Itchiness / Rash
- Swelling of areas around mouth / throat
- Restricted air-ways
- Reduced oxygen level in brain
- Signs of asthma
- Vomiting
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fluid–filled lungs
- Low blood pressure
- Palpitations / feeling faint
- Loss of consciousness
First Aid
- If nauseated, lie down on the side
- If feeling faint, lie down, legs raised
- In case of breathing difficulty, sit up
- First time patients should be hospital treated
- Epinephrine injections – effective treatment injected into thigh.
- Continuous monitoring mandatory
- Severity/ response / prior episodes determine treatment
Prevention
- Avoid allergens as far as possible
- Those at risk should carry adrenalin auto-injector. Epipen Anapen.
- Inform school authorities, if children at risk
- Children should wear food allergy badges
- Emergency protocols necessary in schools/ work place