by Walter Little

Created on: March 07, 2008   Last Updated: March 26, 2008

Anaphylaxis symptoms and treatment

What is Anaphylaxis?

The term Anaphylaxis comes from the Greek word(s) ava ana (against) and phylaxis (protection) and is an acute, systemic (meaning that it involves multiple systems of the body) and severe Type I allergic reaction. It occurs when a person is exposed to a trigger substance an allergen to which they have previously become sensitized. This exposure can come in the form of skin contact, ingestion, injection or in rare cases by inhaling the allergen. Some of the most common allergens include: peanuts, tree nuts (particularly almond, walnut, hazel, Brazil and cashews), shellfish (particularly shrimp and lobster). Diary products, egg whites, wasp or bee stings and sesame seeds. Less common allergens include: fish, latex, Penicillin (or any drug or injection), muscle relaxants and alcohol.

Anaphalactic shock the most severe form of Anaphalaxis occurs when an allergic response triggers a quick release from the body's mast cells of large quantities of Immunological mediators (histamines, prostaglandins and leukotrienes) which leads to systemic vasodilation (causing a sudden drop in blood pressure) and edema (swelling) of bronchial mucosa. The latter results in bronchoconstriction and difficulty breathing. Untreated, anaphalactic shock can cause death in a matter of minutes.

What causes Anaphylaxis?

As noted above, Anaphalaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction. Following an initial exposure (known as the "shocking dose") the person's body becomes sensitized to the allergen. In the future when the next exposure occurs the person experiences a sudden, severe allergic reaction.

Once a person has been exposed to the "shocking dose," any subsequent exposure causes tissues in various parts of the body to release histamines and other substances. This release causes constriction of the airway(s) resulting in wheezing and difficulty breathing as well as causing gastrointestinal distress including abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. In addition to the problems already mentioned, the release of the histamines causes blood vessels to dilate thereby causing a drop in blood pressure as well as causing fluid to leak from the bloodstream into surrounding tissues causing a drop in blood volume - causing the body to go into shock.

What are the symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

The time between ingestion or contact with an allergen and onset of anaphalaxis can vary for some patients and is dependent on the amount of allergen consumed

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