Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction triggered by exposure to certain allergens. It can cause the airways to constrict, making breathing difficult, and may lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. In response, the immune system releases a surge of chemicals, sometimes resulting in anaphylactic shock. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
In this blog, we will explore the key anaphylaxis symptoms, identify common triggers, and explain the diagnostic approaches used. We will also outline effective treatment methods to help manage and respond to this medical emergency swiftly and safely.
The common signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include the following:
Additional anaphylaxis symptoms include:
Moreover, the primary advanced symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
The immune system generates antibodies to fight against foreign substances. This is a natural mechanism that is highly effective when the foreign substance is potentially harmful, like specific viruses or bacteria. However, certain individuals' immune systems react to external agents that normally should not cause any allergy.
The most common causes of anaphylaxis in children include food allergies, like tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, milk and sesame. In addition to these, the following elements may cause anaphylaxis signs and symptoms in adults:
Although not witnessed widely, a few people can develop anaphylaxis symptoms from aerobic exercises like jogging. Some individuals have experienced anaphylaxis after consuming specific foods, especially before exercising or during a workout in extreme weather conditions. Therefore, you can consider consulting with a certified healthcare provider to summarise precautions when exercising.
The severity and nature of anaphylaxis signs and symptoms determine the diagnostic procedure. Doctors primarily give blood tests to confirm the need for diagnosis. When a person is exposed to allergic triggers, mast cells, a vital component of the immune system, release the chemical tryptase. In anaphylaxis, the tryptase levels rise in blood within one hour and may stay elevated for hours to days. Therefore, a raised tryptase level can help substantiate that someone is suffering from anaphylaxis.
Tryptase blood test results offer a delayed outcome, rendering them unsuitable for diagnosing ongoing anaphylaxis. However, at times, this test can prove to be useful after the patient has received the initial emergency medications. Doctors must distinguish anaphylaxis from similar conditions like septic shock, severe blood infection, or a serious asthma attack to ensure proper treatment.
Other critical conditions may also appear similar at first, leading people to mistakenly assume they are anaphylaxis. These include non-allergic urticaria, fainting, panic attacks, and angioedema. Depending on an individual's symptoms, the doctor may prescribe other tests as well to look for these underlying conditions.
When a person witnesses the anaphylaxis symptoms (as stated above), they should visit a physician immediately. Doctors can promptly begin epinephrine treatment. Once they inject the epinephrine, the symptoms may begin to fade.
At times, doctors may instruct the patient to remain in the emergency room to monitor and treat recurring symptoms.
A person must seek emergency medical assistance if they, their child or someone they know is suffering from anaphylaxis symptoms. Doctors particularly advise not to wait for the symptoms to fade away.
If you are aware of the possibilities and thus already carry an epinephrine auto-injector, then you must use it the right way. Although the injection can provide temporary relief, you still have to consult a doctor to ensure the problems do not recur. If a second allergic reaction occurs, it is medically termed as biphasic anaphylaxis.
Managing and diagnosing anaphylaxis in the long term can be complex. Hence, you may need to consult a health specialist renowned for treating allergies.
The most optimal way to restrict the effects of anaphylaxis is to avoid the foreign substances that cause allergies. Additionally, you may:
Overall, to minimise your susceptibility to anaphylaxis symptoms, it is crucial to reduce your exposure to all potential allergens. The bright part is that prompt medical attention is proven effective for the management of these emergencies. Therefore, you do not have to panic, as long as you have the epinephrine injectors as and when needed.