Anaphylactic shock: How to react correctly
Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency caused by an allergic reaction. Here you can find out how to recognize anaphylactic shock and how those affected should behave in an emergency.
How does anaphylactic shock occur?
Anaphylactic shock is the body’s most severe hypersensitivity reaction to a specific substance. The reaction is triggered by the entry of an allergen into the body. If the immune system was previously sensitized to this antigen, the organism reacts by forming antibodies that are intended to intercept the foreign body. As a result, certain messenger substances such as histamine are released, which then lead to the typical allergic reaction.
In anaphylactic shock, the body reacts so violently that increased amounts of histamine are usually released immediately after contact with the allergen; a so-called immediate reaction takes place. The histamine stimulates the blood vessels to dilate, which very quickly leads to a sharp drop in blood pressure and the organs can no longer be adequately supplied with blood. In extreme cases, the circulatory system collapses, which can also result in death.
What causes anaphylactic shock?
Anaphylactic shock can have many different triggers. For example, medicines and foods can cause severe allergic reactions. But contact allergies can also lead to anaphylactic shock. The most common triggers are:
- Insect venom, mainly from bees or wasps
- peanuts
- celery
- milk
- Fish
- shellfish
- chicken protein
- latex
- penicillin
- insulin
- contrast media
- acetylsalicylic acid
Pollen , house dust, mold or animal hair can also trigger an anaphylactic shock when inhaled or touched.
How is anaphylactic shock manifested?
The symptoms of anaphylactic shock can be very diverse. The reactions, which typically occur very quickly after contact with the respective trigger, usually extend over the entire body.
The first alarm symptoms that indicate that an anaphylactic shock is present are reddening and swelling of the skin, itching of the skin and mucous membranes as well as feelings of heat and tingling in the hands and feet.
Symptoms that may also show up include:
- Scratchy throat
- hoarseness
- difficulties swallowing
- Increased salivation
- nausea
- Vomit
- headache
- shortness of breath
- asthma attack
- Restlessness, vague feelings of anxiety, panic
- clouding of consciousness
- Pulse changes (speeding up or slowing down)
- tachycardia
- seizures
- urination and defecation
- unconsciousness
- Apnea
- cardiac arrest
Note: The symptoms and intensity of anaphylactic shock can vary greatly. Accordingly, not all of the symptoms mentioned must occur. In severe cases in particular, there are often no skin symptoms, for example. It is therefore very important to take the first alarm signals very seriously and to be ready to act.
How is anaphylactic shock treated?
An anaphylactic shock requires, first and foremost, quick action. If symptoms develop, an ambulance should be called as soon as possible. If the patient is not suffering from severe shortness of breath, it is advisable to quickly bring him into the so-called shock position in order to stabilize the circulation. For this purpose, the patient is placed on the floor either on his back or in a stable lateral position and his legs are elevated at an angle of about 30°. This allows blood to reach vital organs more easily. It is also advisable to keep the affected person warm, for example with a blanket or jacket.
If the person concerned has a special emergency kit with them, it should be used immediately – even before the emergency doctor arrives. Emergency sets usually consist of a fast-acting antihistamine, a cortisone preparation and an adrenaline injection.
The antihistamine inhibits the production of the messenger histamine and therefore has a stabilizing effect on the dilated blood vessels, while cortisone inhibits inflammation. Adrenaline, the stress hormone, supports cardiovascular function in a very short time, helps to constrict blood vessels, decongest the mucous membranes and thus normalizes breathing.
Caution: The adrenaline injection should only be administered by someone who has been instructed in the correct use beforehand. After using cortisone or adrenaline, a doctor should always be consulted, even if the symptoms improve quickly.
When the emergency doctor arrives, infusions are usually applied to stabilize the blood volume balance in the body and to support the circulatory system.
Important: If anaphylactic shock occurs for the first time and without a known cause, an allergy test should be carried out by the doctor afterwards to identify the trigger and to avoid a recurrence.
In some cases, such as an allergy to insect venom, a so-called hyposensitization can be carried out to prevent or mitigate future allergic reactions. However, it should be noted that even with such treatment, anaphylactic shock can occur.
If other allergens trigger an anaphylactic shock, there is usually no possibility of hyposensitization. In such cases, it only helps to consistently avoid the corresponding allergen through so-called allergen avoidance.