Allergic Anaphylactic Shock - Anaphylactic Shock Symptoms, Cause and Treatment or anaphylaxis

An allergy is hypersensitivity to a substance (allergen) that is not normally considered to be harmful. Allergies are triggeredby the immune system, which reacts to the allergen as though it were a harmful substance invading the body. The most extreme response is anaphylaxis, which may result in anaphylactic shock which, if untreated, can kill.

Cause of Anaphylactic Shock

This extreme allergic reaction has an intense effect on the body, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and narrowing of the airways that can be fatal. Anaphylactic shock can be caused by anything, but among the most common triggers are: nuts (for those who are particularly sensitive, even touching the trace of a nut can be potentially fatal), seafood, insect stings and bites, and drugs (some people have a very extreme reaction to penicillin, for example).

As with asthma, the number of people suffering allergic reactions appears to be increasing. Whether this is because people are becoming more sensitive to allergens (the substances that cause allergic reactions) or whether we are just becoming better at detecting allergies, nobody is really sure.

Anaphylactic Shock Symptom

One of the main effects of severe anaphylaxis is a constriction of the air passages in a similarway to asthma but generally more severe, preventing the intake of any oxygen at all. There may be a history of contact with a particular allergen, the thing that triggers the attack. Anaphylaxis can happen very quickly, within seconds. Signs and symptoms include:

• Difficultybreathing.
• Paleskin and blue lips.
• Blotcheson the skin.
• Rapidpulse.
• Breathing and heartbeat stopping.

Anaphylactic Shock Treatment

• Call an ambulance immediately. The casualty needs adrenaline to counteract the reaction.
• If the casualty is a known sufferer she may have an adrenaline injection. Help her to administer this. If you have been trained and the casualty is unable to do so, you may give the injection.
• Place position and reassure the person.
• If the casualty becomes unconscious, place in the recovery position. Monitor the casualty's breathing and circulation and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.