Anaphylaxis is a serious reaction usually caused by an allergen, though in some cases it can be exercise-induced. This severe allergic reaction typically occurs very rapidly and causes noticeable symptoms that affect the skin and breathing. In some cases anaphylaxis can be fatal.
Anaphylaxis is the Opposite or Prophylaxis
The term anaphylaxis was coined to mean the opposite of prophylaxis, which is defined as protection against a disease causing factor or organism.
In most cases, this reaction occurs when there is a previous exposure to the allergen that causes sensitivity. When the exposure to the allergen occurs again, the immune system strongly overreacts leading to an anaphylactic reaction. The most common inciting allergens are antibiotics, particularly penicillin, intravenous dyes used in some medical scans and tests, bee sting venom and certain foods, most commonly, peanuts. In some cases there is no known cause for the anaphylactic reaction. We have provided you detail about allergic anaphylaxis; if you want to explore your knowledge, look at more info.
Breathing Effects of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylactic reactions generally involve the skin and mucous membranes in more than 90 percent of cases. This results in erythema or skin redness, urticaria or hives, pruritus or an itchy rash, and angioedema or swelling.
The reaction commonly impedes breathing because it generally affects the upper respiratory tract causing nasal congestion, sneezing, hoarseness or inability to speak. Constriction and swelling can also occur in the throat and upper bronchus of the lungs making it difficult to breathe.
Airway obstruction symptoms are extremely frightening and can cause chest pain, panic attacks, dizziness and fainting. The swelling of the lips, tongue and throat and spasms in the lung’s airways may also cause dyspnea or difficulty swallowing. Wheezing and shortness of breath occurs when the lower lungs are affected due to swelling of the tissues and mucus buildup in the airways. Complete airway obstruction is the most common cause of death due to anaphylaxis.
How Anaphylaxis Affects the Heart
Other signs include itchy and water eyes. Stomach affects such as cramp-like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, are particularly common if the anaphylactic reaction is caused by a food allergen.
In severe cases of anaphylaxis the blood vessels dilate and the heart must beat faster to compensate for the loss of blood flow through the body. This causes tachycardia or a very fast heart beat. Blood volume decreases because fluids leak out of the capillaries causing hypotension or low blood pressure. In some cases, very low blood pressure can cause a loss of consciousness.
Children may not show visible skin signs of an anaphylactic reaction, causing a delay in medical treatment. Any degree of anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention; remove the allergen if possible and seek urgent care.