Anaphylaxis is defined as a sudden onset immune mediated reaction in the body against a sensitized external stimulus. The reaction would be by immune mediators that are released from the 'mast cells' in response to an allergen. These allergens can enter the circulation through food, direct contact with the skin, injections or even through inhalation.
In most instances, when the allergens first enter the circulation, the body gets sensitized and the person would not feel any symptoms until the second exposure. The second exposure will precipitate the already sensitized immune mechanism and make way for the release of immune mediators.
When you suffer from an anaphylaxis reaction, you will notice certain changes in the body. These can be,
1. Urticarial rash known as 'hives'
2. Itching
3. Excessive tearing
4. Swelling of the lips, face, eye lids, throat..etc.
5. Fainting
6. Diarrhoea
7. Vomiting..etc.
Most often these symptoms can be associated with a preceding event that you were engaged in before the reaction occurred.
The danger in getting an anaphylaxis reaction is its potential to aggravate into 'Anaphylactic Shock'. In this severe form, the blood pressure will drop due to the immune mediated dilatation of the blood vessels and respiration will be deprived due to the swelling of the air way lining. The result would be severe breathing difficulties as well as heart failure that can ultimately cause death if not treated early.
Therefore, if you get an allergic reaction that is giving rise to the above mentioned symptoms, consider it critical and seek medical help.
Once you arrive at a hospital, they will be equipped in dealing with such situations and saving your life. The administration of drugs will depend on the severity of the symptoms and watchful waiting would do no harm if you are monitored very closely.
If your condition requires so, following treatment will be given to you.
1. Adrenalin
Adrenaline is a vasoconstrictor as well as a chronotrophic agent. This means that it will act on the heart musculature and increase the number of contractions of the heart along with building up the pressure of the body circulation. This will prevent you from going into a shock state following the allergic reaction. It also is a powerful bronchodilator which will relieve the air way narrowing.
2. Antihistamine
These drugs will neutralize the histamine mediated effect in the allergic reaction and reduce its potential risks.
3. Steroids
Given intramuscularly or intra venous, the steroids will also act as a neutralizer for the immune mediators.
4. Intravenous fluids
By giving intravenous fluids, the blood pressure can be maintained without letting it falling below the desired level.
Apart from these drugs, many other drugs can be made use to maintain the pressure gradients in the circulation.
If the doctors decide you are going into severe respiratory compromise following the allergic reaction, they might decide to ventilate you before it's too late. This will require sedating you and introduce a special tube in to the airway so the oedema will not hinder the air passage into the lungs.
Following the initial management of the acute stage, the normalcy will return and you will be given oral medications to continue for several days.