Anaphylaxis (anaphylaxis): symptoms, causes and treatment.

A type of allergic reaction that develops very quickly and can lead to death.

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction caused by different allergenic substances such as medications, foods or insect stings, among others. It can be life-threatening if it is not treated immediately.

In the following we are going to explain what is anaphylaxis or anaphylaxiswhat are its most common causes, what symptoms it provokes, how the diagnosis is made, what is the treatment applied to alleviate its symptoms, what is the prognosis that it can entail and what preventions can be taken to avoid it.

Anaphylaxis (anaphylaxis): what is it?

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that progresses rapidly and threatens the life of the sufferer.. The immune system responds to otherwise harmless substances in the environment (allergens).

Unlike other allergic reactions, however, anaphylaxis can kill. The reaction can begin within minutes or even seconds after exposure, and progresses rapidly to cause airway constriction, intestinal and skin irritation, and altered heart rhythms. In severe cases, it can result in complete airway obstruction, shock and death.

Common Causes.

Allergens are more likely to cause anaphylaxis if they are introduced directly into the circulatory system by injection. However, exposure by ingestion, inhalation or skin contact can also cause anaphylaxis. In some cases, anaphylaxis may develop over time from less severe allergies.

Anaphylaxis is most often due to allergens in food, drugs and insect venom. allergens in food, drugs and insect venom.. Specific causes include:

• Fish, shellfish and mollusks.
• Nuts and seeds.
• Stings from bees, wasps or hornets..
• Papain from meat tenderizers.
• Vaccines, including flu and measles vaccines.
• Penicillin.
• Cephalosporins.
• Streptomycin.
• Gamma globulin.
• insulin
• Hormones (ACTH, thyroid stimulating hormone).
• Aspirin and other NSAIDs.
• Latex, from exam gloves or condoms, for example.

Exposure to cold or exercise may trigger an anaphylaxis response in some people.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis

Symptoms develop quickly, usually within seconds to minutes. Anaphylaxis may include any of the following symptoms listed below. However, not all of them need to be present.

• Abdominal pain.
• Anxiety and/or a feeling of confusion.
• Chest discomfort or tightness.
• Diarrhea.
• Cramps.
• wheezing
• shortness of breathcoughing, wheezing, or high-pitched breathing sounds.
• difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness.
• Hives, itching, redness of the skin.
• Nasal congestion.
• Nausea and vomiting..
• Palpitations.
• Slurred speech.
• Swelling of the face and eyes.
• Swelling and irritation of the tongue and/or mouth.
• Swelling of the sinuses.
• Loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis

Anaphylactic reaction is diagnosed on the basis of based on the rapid development of symptoms in response to a suspected allergen.. Its identification can be made with the RAST test. It is a Blood test that identifies IgE (immunoglobulin type E) reactions to specific allergens. Skin tests may be performed for less severe anaphylactic reactions.

Treatment

Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis involves injection of adrenaline (epinephrine) (epinephrine), which constricts blood vessels and counteracts the effects of histamine. Oxygen may be administered, as well as intravenous replacement fluids.

Antihistamines may be used for the rash and aminophylline for constipation. and aminophylline for bronchial constriction. If the upper airway is obstructed, a breathing tube or tracheostomy tube may be necessary.

Prognosis and expectations

Anaphylaxis can be fatal without prompt treatment. Symptoms usually improve with appropriate therapy, so it is important to act immediately. it is important to act immediately.

The rapidity of symptom development is an indication of the potential severity of the reaction: the faster the symptoms develop, the more severe the final reaction. Seeing a doctor urgently and close follow-up reduce the likelihood of death in anaphylaxis. Therefore, the majority of people who receive prompt treatment make a full recovery..

If not acted on quickly, anaphylaxis can block airways, cause cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest or fatal anaphylactic shock..

Prevention: what can we do to avoid it?

The main reliable method to prevent anaphylaxis and allergic reactions is to avoid the allergic trigger, such as foods and medications, that have caused an allergic reaction in the past.

For insect allergies, this requires recognition of likely nesting sites. Prevention of food allergies requires knowledge of prepared foods or dishes where the allergen is likely to occur, and careful questioning of ingredients when eating out.

If you have a child who is allergic to certain foods, you can introduce one new food at a time in small amounts so that you can recognize an allergic reaction.

People prone to anaphylaxis should carry an "Epipen" or "Ana-kit", which contain a dose of adrenaline ready for injection. As well as a medical identification tag.

Bibliographic references:

• Robinson, R. (2002). Anaphylaxis. In D. S. Blanchfield & J. L. Longe (Eds.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (2nd ed., Vol. 1, pp. 178-180). Detroit: Gale.
• MedlinePlus (2018). Anaphylaxis. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000844.htm [Accessed 06 June 2018].