Discover the essentials of anaphylaxis: symptoms, causes, and urgent care. Stay informed and prepared on Meri Sehat.

Anaphylaxis

Overview

Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid, and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that involves multiple organ systems. 
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Anaphylaxis can affect anyone. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen, releasing chemicals that cause the body to go into shock. The airways constrict and the blood pressure drops &mdash; symptoms that can prove fatal if not promptly treated.

Its incidence is on the rise globally, with a lifetime prevalence of 1-2% in the global population. In 80-90% of cases of anaphylaxis, it affects the skin or mucous membranes.

According to a study, anaphylaxis mostly affects children aged 0-19 years. This may be because severe food allergies are more common in children compared to adults. Additionally, some studies show that females are more at risk than males.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a> 
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Sign and Symptoms

Anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to an allergen, such as bee stings or peanuts. In rare instances, symptoms may not appear for hours. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms quickly for a timely intervention. 
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Symptoms can vary but often include:<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Difficulty breathing and wheezing</li>
	<li>Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue</li>
	<li>A sudden drop in blood pressure</li>
	<li>Hives or itchy rash</li>
	<li>Gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea</li>
	<li>Dizziness or fainting</li>
	<li>A weak or rapid pulse</li>
</ul>

Nearly 20% of individuals who have an episode of anaphylaxis may experience a second wave of symptoms. This is called biphasic anaphylaxis. It may occur hours or even days after the initial wave.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>

Note: Seek medical help immediately if you or someone else has a severe allergic reaction. 
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Causes

Normally, when the body&rsquo;s immune system mistakes any food or substance as harmful, it fights against it. Allergy reactions are not usually life-threatening. However, anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction.

Understanding personal triggers is essential. Common allergens include certain foods (e.g., nuts, cow milk, eggs, shellfish), insect venom (e.g., bee stings, fire ants), certain medications and substances (e.g., penicillin, NSAIDs, dye for CT scans), and latex. 
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While it can affect anyone, several factors can increase the risk of anaphylaxis:

<ul>
	<li>A history of previous allergic reactions</li>
	<li>Coexisting conditions, such <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/asthma">as asthma</a></li>
	<li>A family history of anaphylaxis</li>
	<li>Known allergies to specific foods, insect stings, medications, or latex</li>
	<li>Underlying health conditions, such as <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/ischemic-heart-disease-63">heart disease </a>or mastocytosis 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Diagnosis

Diagnosing anaphylaxis relies on a thorough medical history and clinical presentation. The healthcare professional may order a skin or blood test to identify specific triggers. 
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Treatment

Anaphylaxis requires immediate action. Administering epinephrine (adrenaline) via an auto-injector is the first line of defense. In case the patient stops breathing or their heart stops beating, they may receive CPR.

An intravenous administration of antihistamines and cortisone may help improve breathing. Beta-agonists such as albuterol may also be provided to relieve breathing difficulty.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> 
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Other options include:

<ul>
	<li>Surgery, such as cricothyrotomy or emergency tracheostomy</li>
	<li>Drug desensitization</li>
	<li>Venom immunotherapy</li>
	<li>Oral immunotherapy</li>
</ul>

However, seeking emergency medical attention is crucial, even after epinephrine administration. 
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Without prompt and proper treatment, anaphylaxis can lead to severe complications, including respiratory and cardiovascular failure. Delayed treatment also increases the risk of fatal outcomes. 
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Identifying and avoiding known allergens is key to preventing anaphylaxis. This may involve a meticulous reading of food labels and taking precautions to prevent insect stings, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Further, educational initiatives in communities and schools contribute to overall awareness. Individuals at risk should be educated on recognizing symptoms, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector, and the need to inform healthcare providers of allergies. They should also inform the restaurants about it when dining out.

Raising awareness about anaphylaxis, its triggers, and proper emergency response can significantly improve outcomes for individuals living with the risk of anaphylaxis. 
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Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid, and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction involving multiple organ systems.</li>
	<li>The individual experiences a rapid onset of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and gastrointestinal distress.</li>
	<li>Symptoms can be fatal if not promptly treated. Treatment involves immediate administration of epinephrine via an auto-injector. However, emergency medical attention is necessary even after epinephrine administration.</li>
	<li>Risk factors for anaphylaxis include allergies to foods, insect stings, medications, or latex, and underlying conditions like asthma.</li>
	<li>Preventive measures for anaphylaxis include identifying and avoiding known allergens.</li>
</ul>