Understanding Anaphylaxis

“Oh my God! She’s allergic to nuts!” Olsen, Elizabeth’s friend screamed with a frightful look on her face. This time, it was the restaurant’s fault as she had clearly stated her allergy to shrimp. But apparently, the new server made a grave error and served her shrimp soup.  

Now there Elizabeth was, fighting for her life as she had trouble breathing and her face was covered with bumps.  

Rushing out that morning hadn’t helped matters too as she forgot her EpiPen. Thankfully, the paramedics arrived within minutes and she was stabilized. She had just suffered an anaphylactic reaction.  

What is Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic reaction)?  

It is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent treatment. It is potentially life-threatening if not treated on time.  

The allergic reaction occurs within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen - a substance that triggers off an allergic reaction when one comes into contact with it.   

Allergens could be certain types of food, insect stings or bites, medications, latex, etc.  

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis  

The symptoms of anaphylaxis could occur within a few seconds to an hour, and could lead to death if not treated.  

1. Difficulty breathing, wheezing, rapid breathing, or shortness of breath  
2. The appearance of rashes on the body  
3. Bluish skin due to poor circulation of blood  
4. Nausea or vomiting  
5. Fast heart rate  
6. Tongue and facial swelling  
7. Voice impairment  
8. Mental confusion  
9. Nasal congestion  
10. Itching  
11. Fainting and light-headedness  
12. Unpleasantly damp skin, which feels sticky to touch  
13. Stomach pain  

Allergens/Triggers of Anaphylaxis  

Common triggers of this severe allergic reaction include:   

1. Certain foods like nuts, seafood, eggs, fruits, and milk.  
2. General anesthesia: It is used to ensure patients don’t feel pain during medical procedures.  
3. Latex: It is present in rubbers, gloves, and condoms.  
4. Insect stings particularly bee and wasp stings.  
5. Medications like aspirin and some antibiotics.  

Treatment of Anaphylaxis  

1. Use of Epinephrine (adrenaline) to reduce the body’s allergic response. This medicine can be delivered into the body using an auto-injectable device. One of such devices is from a brand called EpiPen.   

The epinephrine has to be injected into the muscle, usually of the thigh. This part of the body is chosen because it houses the body’s largest muscles with enormous blood supply and this allows the medication to be absorbed much faster.  

1. At the hospital, here are the necessary procedures followed:  
2. The patient is placed on an oxygen mask.  
3. Fluids are administered to increase the person’s blood pressure.  
4. Additional medications like antihistamines and steroids are used to relieve the symptoms.  
5. In cases where the cause of the allergic reaction is unknown, blood tests are carried out to ascertain if it is indeed anaphylaxis.  

  Conclusion:  

If you stumble upon an individual with symptoms of anaphylaxis, do the following:  

Administer epinephrine with the auto-injectable device (if there is one available).  

1. Call for an emergency right away, even if the person looks like they are getting better.  
2. Remove any visible trigger or allergen to prevent further anaphylaxis.  
3. Help stabilize the individual. If symptoms don’t subside and the ambulance isn’t anywhere near, give the individual another injection after about 5 minutes. Please ensure you know how to use the pen.