Anaphylactic Shock

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So What Is Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock, also known as anaphylaxis, occurs when a person has an extreme allergic reaction triggered by virtually any substance to which they are allergic.

Common triggers include prescription drugs like penicillin, certain foods (such as peanuts and seafood), insect bites, and even chemicals found in hair dye.

That is why hairdressers and beauticians often perform a ‘patch test’ on customers before applying these substances.

In reality, numerous factors can trigger an allergic reaction.

Have a look at this blog for more information.

Why does the body react so quickly to this?

The immune system activates when the body detects a foreign protein, leading to the release of histamine.

When the body releases large quantities of histamine, it causes the skin to become itchy and red, which quickly develops into a rash.

Additionally, this release of histamine weakens the strength of the heart’s contractions because it dilates the arteries, resulting in a drop in blood pressure.

This pressure drop can constrict the lungs, making breathing significantly more difficult for the affected individual.

To make matters worse, the blood capillaries begin to leak, causing swelling, which can ultimately lead to anaphylactic shock.

How can you spot if someone is having an allergic reaction?

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, neck, and eyes is an excellent indicator.
  • Noisy breathing as the swelling starts to constrict the throat is quite often noticeable, and with this, there is the added danger of them being unable to breathe.
  • The pulse starts to speed up, and it is noticeably weaker than usual.
  • Skin can become itchy and red, hives appear, they may become nauseous and they may vomit too, they may experience stomach cramps, diarrhoea, loss of bladder control can happen too.
  • An anxiety attack is also quite common during anaphylactic shock, and they think they are going to die, especially when the symptoms escalate rapidly.

So what can you do to help them?

  • Call 999 immediately for urgent medical help; this person needs expert assistance from a medical professional as soon as possible.
  • Remove them from the cause or source that triggered the reaction.
  • Ensure they use their epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector as quickly as possible.
  • If they are having trouble finding it, help them locate it and then hand it to them.
  • You can provide further assistance if necessary by using the auto-injector in a fleshy muscular area (a thigh area is a good place)
  • If breathing problems are noticed, it can be helpful to sit them up against a wall in a “lazy W” position with their knees raised, which will also help breathing.
  • You can administer epinephrine at 5-minute intervals; they usually have 2.

Many individuals who suffer from severe allergies carry epinephrine auto-injectors (commonly known as EpiPens) wherever they go.

In the event of an allergic reaction, they can quickly inject themselves with epinephrine using the auto-injector.

However, administering epinephrine does not guarantee a full recovery; a visit to the hospital is often necessary afterwards.

Summing Up

Anaphylactic shock, or anaphylaxis, is frightening for both the individual experiencing the reaction and those nearby, as responses occur quickly and require prompt action to assist them.

  • Call 999 or 112
  • Remove them from the source or remove the source of the reaction away from them.
  • Let them use their adrenaline pen(s). If necessary, they can use one every 5 minutes if needed.
  • Have them sit down on the floor in a ‘lazy W’ position and loosen any tight clothing.

A ‘lazy W’ position will help with their breathing and will make it easier to get them on their back if you need to start CPR, too.

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