How to recognize anaphylaxis and save lives
Educational Program Health / / December 19, 2019
Anaphylaxis always develops suddenly and quickly. Therefore, it requires just as lightning fast action.
Go to the rules of first aid →
What is anaphylactic shock, and why it is dangerous
Anaphylactic shock - this is an extremely severe form of allergy.
As with any allergy, the body is faced with a substance that seems to him to the poison begins to defend himself. And he does it so actively that harms himself.
But in the case of anaphylaxis situation is special: the immune response to a stimulus is so strong that come under attack not only the skin and mucous membranes, but also the digestive tract, lungs, cardiovascular system. The consequences can be very unpleasant:
- Sharply decreases blood pressure.
- Quickly develop swelling of tissues, including the larynx - the problem starts with the breath.
- The brain begins to feel an acute lack of oxygen, which can lead to fainting and further violations of vital functions.
- Due to the swelling and lack of oxygen affects other internal organs.
This combination of symptoms is fraught with serious complications and can be deadly. Therefore, it is important to quickly identify anaphylaxis and administer first aid.
How to recognize anaphylaxis
The first and one of the most important moments in the diagnosis - contact with an allergen. Be especially careful if the following symptoms develop after bite insect receiving any medication or food. The allergen may be even innocuous at first glance cookies with peanuts.
Shock develops in two stages. The main symptoms of anaphylaxis Harbinger lookAnaphylactic Shock: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment So:
- The obvious skin reaction - redness, or, on the contrary, pallor.
- Itching.
- Heat.
- Tingling in hands, feet, around the mouth or all over the head.
- cold, Itching in the nose, the desire to sneeze.
- Difficulty and / or wheezing.
- A lump in the throat, interfering with normal swallow.
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Swollen lips and tongue.
- A clear sense that the body that something is not right.
Already at this stage it is necessary to take urgent measures (of which below). And even more urgent help is needed if anaphylaxis reaches a second, the shock stage. Its symptoms:
- Dizziness.
- Severe weakness.
- Pallor (people literally turn white).
- The appearance of cold sweat.
- Severe dyspnea (raucous, noisy breathing).
- Sometimes convulsions.
- Loss of consciousness.
3 main first-aid rules in anaphylactic shock
1. Call an ambulance
It is necessaryAllergy Attacks and Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and Treatment to do as soon as possible. C, telephone 103 or 112 of the mobile phone.
2. Immediately enter adrenaline
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is injected intramuscularly to raise blood pressure fallen. This drug is sold in pharmacies to autoinjector format - automated syringes, already containing the required dose of medication. Prick with such a device can make even a child.
Typically, injections are made in the thigh - here is the biggest muscle is difficult to miss.
Do not be afraid: the adrenaline is not harmfulSevere Allergic Reaction Treatment when the false alarm. But it can save lives when no lie.
People who have experienced an anaphylactic reaction, often carry epinephrine autoinjector with himself. If the victim is still conscious, be sure to ask if he had a drug. There is? Proceed according to the instructions above.
Take antihistamines does not make sense: anaphylactic shock develops very quickly and they simply do not have time to act.
If the adrenaline is not the victim turned out to be a pharmacy near there, have to wait the ambulance.
3. Try to ease the human condition
- Place the victim on his back, raised his legs.
- If possible, isolate the person from the allergen. If you notice that an allergic reaction has started to develop after being bitten by an insect or some injections drug bandage above the bite, or puncture to slow the spread of the allergen by the body.
- Do not give the victim a drink.
- If there is vomiting, turn his head to one side, so that people are not drowned.
- If a person has lost consciousness and stopped breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (If you have the appropriate skills) and continue to visit doctors.
- If the victim's condition improved, it is sure that he waited for the ambulance. Anaphylactic shock requires further examination. In addition, the possible seizure recurrence.
All you have done what we could. Further, the only hope for the body of the victim and qualified doctors.
Fortunately, in most cases, provide timely medical care anaphylaxis retreats. According to US statistics, death recordFatal Anaphylaxis: Mortality Rate and Risk Factors only 1% of those who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of "anaphylactic shock".
What can cause anaphylactic shock
It makes much sense to list the reasons for not. Allergy - an individual response of the body, it can develop a completely inoffensive to others factors.
But for pedants yet we give a list of the most common triggersAllergy Attacks and Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and Treatment, In response to which there is an anaphylactic shock.
- Food. More often - nuts (especially peanuts and forest), seafood, eggs, wheat, milk.
- pollen.
- Insect bites - bees, wasps, hornets, ants, even mosquitoes.
- Dust mites.
- Mold.
- Latex.
- Some medications.
Who is affected by anaphylactic shock
The risk of anaphylactic shock is high in thoseAnaphylactic Shock: Symptoms, Causes, and TreatmentWho:
- Already experienced a similar allergic reaction.
- It has any kind of allergy or asthma.
- He has relatives who have had anaphylaxis.
If you belong to one of these groups at risk, consult your physician. You may need to buy autoinjector of epinephrine and to carry it with you.
see also
- Allergies in the child: everything parents need to know about the diagnosis and treatment of →
- Truth and myths about allergies to cats →
- 4 myths about food allergies, which somehow still alive →