What is anaphylactic shock why is it so dangerous

If you are thought to be at risk of anaphylaxis or you experience anaphylaxis for the first time, your doctor will refer you to a clinical immunology or allergy specialist, who will formally diagnose you and discuss management particular to your needs and circumstances. The substance or trigger is called an allergen. The immune system responds by making an antibody to attack the allergen and this starts off a range of immune system reactions. Allergies can be mild, moderate or severe.

Anaphylaxis is the most severe type of allergic reaction. Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis have increased five-fold in the last 20 years and anaphylaxis from food allergy reactions has doubled in the last 10 years. Anaphylaxis can occur within minutes. It mostly occurs within 20 minutes to 2 hours after exposure to the allergen.

Signs and symptoms may be mild at first, but can rapidly worsen. A small number of people suddenly develop signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis without any signs of a mild to moderate allergic reaction. Less common triggers include exercise, anaesthetic drugs and latex. These include:. Not everyone with a food, insect or other allergy that may be severe is prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector.

The specialist will review level of risk. Those with medication allergy are generally not prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector. It may also delay you receiving a diagnosis and anaphylaxis management advice. It can also result in unnecessary dietary and lifestyle restrictions. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Lay the person flat do not allow them to stand or walk. Give adrenaline autoinjector. Phone ambulance — dial triple zero Further adrenaline doses may be given if no response after 5 minutes.

Transfer person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation from time of last dose of adrenaline. Always give adrenaline autoinjector first , and then asthma reliever puffer if someone with known asthma and severe allergy to food, insect or medication has sudden breathing difficulty , even if no skin signs hives or welts are present.

Commence CPR at any time if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Adrenaline injection is used to treat anaphylaxis. Once you are diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis, it is important to always carry your adrenaline autoinjector and your ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, which is completed and signed by your doctor. They are also available over the counter at the pharmacy. The spring-loaded automatic adrenaline autoinjectors are designed to deliver a single pre-measured dose of adrenaline.

Assessment of the airway, breathing and circulation should be done immediately. CPR may be needed. Emergency intubation, which opens the airway by placing a tube through the nose or mouth, may be needed. Another option is placing the tube into the trachea by directly cutting into the trachea. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Symptoms Symptoms develop suddenly and escalate in seconds: Difficulty breathing Confusion Rapid heart beat Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat Wheezing Slurred speech Confusion Bluish skin cyanosis Light-headedness, dizziness, fainting Hives and generalized itching Anxiety Heart palpitations Nausea , vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain or cramping Cough Diagnosis As anaphylaxis is a dramatic reaction, diagnosis is relatively easy.

Treatment Anaphylaxis is an emergency. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. It can be very serious if not treated quickly. If you're having an anaphylactic reaction, you can follow these steps yourself if you feel able to. Read about how to treat anaphylaxis for more advice about using auto-injectors and correct positioning. Anaphylaxis is the result of the immune system, the body's natural defence system, overreacting to a trigger.