anaphylaxis
a response exhibited by hypersensitive individual when confronted with a particular ANTIGEN . It results from the release of HISTAMINE in body tissues following the antigenantibody reaction within CELLS . An allergic reaction is an example of mild anaphylaxis. Anaphylatic shock is a much rarer and more serious condition that can follow the injection of drugs or VACCINES , or a bee sting, to which the individual is hypersensitive. Its onset is immediate and results from a widespread release of histamine in the body. The symptoms include severe breathing difficulties, swelling ( OEDEMA ), a fall in BLOOD PRESSURE , acute URTICARIA and heart failure. Death may follow if the individual is not soon treated with adrenaline by injection.
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction. It can begin very quickly, and symptoms may be life-threatening. The most common causes are reactions to foods (especially peanuts), medications, and stinging insects. Other causes include exercise and exposure to latex. Sometimes no cause can be found.
It can affect many organs:
- Skin - itching, hives, redness, swelling
- Nose - sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose
- Mouth - itching, swelling of the lips or tongue
- Throat - itching, tightness, trouble swallowing, swelling of the back of the throat
- Chest - shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness
- Heart - weak pulse, passing out, shock
- Gastrointestinal tract - vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
- Nervous system - dizziness or fainting
If someone is having a serious allergic reaction, call 911. If an auto-injector is available, give the person the injection right away.
anaphylaxis