INFORMATION ON ANAPHYLAXIS:-

Anaphylaxis is known as severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Common carrier of anaphylaxis includes foods, certain medications, insect venoms and latex. After an initial exposure to a substance like bee sting toxin, the person's immune system becomes sensitized to that allergen. On a subsequent exposure, an allergic reaction occurs. This reaction is sudden, severe, and involves the whole body.

CAUSES OF ANAPHYLAXIS:-

The factors which are responsible for the development of anaphylaxis are:-

1. Medicines, such as penicillin.
2. Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts , milk, eggs, fish and shellfish
3. Insect stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets and fire ants.
4. Latex.

SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHYLAXIS:-

Symptom of anaphylaxis develops rapidly, often within seconds or minutes. They may include the following:

1. Difficulty breathing
2. Wheezing
3. Abnormal breathing sounds
4. Confusion
5. Slurred speech
6. Rapid or weak pulse
7. Blueness of the skin including the lips or nail beds
8. Fainting, light-headedness, dizziness
9. Hives and generalized itching
10. Anxiety
11. Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
12. Nausea, vomiting
13. Diarrhea
14. Abdominal pain or cramping
15. Skin redness
16. Nasal congestion
17. Cough

DIAGNOSIS OF ANAPHYLAXIS:-

An evaluation of anaphylaxis typically includes questions about:-

1. Food
2. Medications
3. Latex
4. Insect stings


Subject may be tested for allergies with skin tests or blood tests. You may also be asked to keep a detailed list of what you eat or to stop eating certain foods for a time.

TREATMENT OF ANAPHYLAXIS:-

Anaphylaxis is an serious condition requiring immediate professional medical attention. Assessment of the airway, breathing, and circulation from basic life support should be done in all suspected anaphylactic reactions.

CPR should be come into play if needed. People with known severe allergic reactions may carry an Epi-Pen or other allergy kit, and should be assisted if necessary. Emergency interventions by paramedics or physicians may include placing a tube through the nose or mouth into the airway (endotracheal intubation) or emergency surgery to place a tube directly into the trachea (tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy).

Epinephrine should be given by injection without delay. This opens the airways and raises the blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.

Treatment for shock includes intravenous fluids and medications that support the actions of the heart and circulatory system.

Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine; and corticosteroids, such as prednisone may be prescribed to further reduce symptoms.