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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Anaphylactic shock

Anaphylactic shock is a massive allergic reaction that can develop a short time after contact with a trigger substance. This is a potentially fatal condition caused by the body's Inappropnate response to a substance that usuaJly has no serious effect: a food, a drug or an insect sting, for example.

It is a form of circulatory shock, but the effects are so sudden and so dramatic that a susceptible person needs to carry an injection of adrenaline in case of accidental exposure. Once she condition has developed, the risk of anaphylaxis lasts for life.

What causes anaphylactic shock? The body's immune system overreacts to what it sees as a foreign body, even though, in most cases it would not cause any reaction. people become sensitized to a substance, often at an early age, and may not initially have any reaction to the substance - it will be the second and subsequent exposures that lead to anaphylaxis. From that time on, such people will remain at risk for the rest of their lives.

Even a tiny amount of the substance can set off a reaction - a trace of peanut oil in a sandwich might be enough for a person sensitive to nuts. Their body person sensitive to nuts. Their body releases a massive amount of Histamine; this makes their blood vessels dilate and leak fluid, and the lungs go into spasm, causing the symptoms of asthma. The most common causes of anaphylaxis are peanuts, sesame oil, fish, shellfish, dairy products, eggs, wasp or bee stings, rubber, penicillin, other drugs or injections.

People known to be allergic to peanuts, for example, must be very Vigilant when buying processed foods, ensuring that they check the ingredients label to check for nut traces. They must also take great care when ordering food in restaurants and even more so if buying food from street markets and stalls.

Recognizing anaphylaxis

Anyone who has reacted to any substance - even to a mild extent - should be referred to an allergy specialist, because subsequent reactions can be sudden and severe. The specialist cannot always identify exactly what has caused the reaction, but skin prick and blood tests may be useful. In some cases of food allergy, a challenge test will be carried out in which minute quantities of the suspect allergen are ingested. This is the only certain way to confirm allergen. Such a test is done only in a hospital setting under very strict guidelines and only if the patient and their family are happy to undergo it.

In some countries, desensitizing injections are given to reduce a person's sensitivity to a substance. However, this can induce anaphylsxis, and many people feel the risk is too great.

Signs and symptons of anaphylactic shock

Intensely itchy rash, often with white raised areas.
A sudden drop in blood pressure (difficult to determine and not visible).
Extreme anxiety, including a sense of imminent death.
Swollen face, lips, tongue and throat.
Rapid pulse.
Puffy eyes.
Difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Wheezing, tight chest and breathing difficulty.
Abdominal pain, feelings of nausea and vomiting
Faintness.
Loss of consciousness.