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| Anaphylaxis |
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Anaphylaxis is the most
severe type of allergic reaction and requires
immediate medical attention. If not treated right
away, anaphylaxis may cause shock or death.
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| What happens during
anaphylaxis? |
People who have
allergies have higher levels of the type of antibody
known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The anaphylactic
reaction depends on previous exposure or
"sensitization" to a particular allergen. During the
first exposure, the body builds up allergen-specific
IgE antibodies.
Upon re-exposure to the allergen, the IgE antibodies
launch a whole-body (systemic) immune response. This
can result in rapid loss of blood pressure. The
heart may strain, and the brain may stop receiving
oxygen flow. The vocal chords and other tissues may
swell. The lungs can fill with fluid, and the
airways may become severely constricted.
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| What causes
anaphylaxis? |
Substances that can cause anaphylaxis include:
►Latex
►Insect sting , Venom
►Immunotherapy solutions
►Foods: particularly shellfish, peanuts, other tree
nuts, eggs & milk
►Medications: including antibiotics, general
anesthetics, insulin, and progesterone , Vaccines
that contain egg protein
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| Symptoms |
Anaphylaxis usually occurs rapidly, unexpectedly, and affects many parts of the
body.
Watch for the following symptoms:
►Warmth, skin flushing, or hives
►Tingling and swelling in the lips, feet, hands, or other body parts
►Wheezing, whistling while breathing, or shortness of breath
►Difficulty swallowing due to swelling in the throat
►Lightheadness or faintness
►Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
►Loss of consciousness or seizures due to low blood pressure
►Other symptoms may include hoarseness,
cough, chest tightness, sneezing, and
gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
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| Emergency treatment |
Seek treatment of
anaphylaxis immediately to re-open the airways and
regain normal blood pressure.
Receive a shot of epinephrine, or other
anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids
or antihistamines.
Vital signs will be monitored for several hours
after the reaction: anaphylactic symptoms can
persist after treatment or return hours later.
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