Emergencies >>>> Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency

Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency.

Anaphylactic shock is one of the most serious and dangerous conditions, as it develops in an almost unpredictable manner and is potentially fatal if emergency medical care is not provided in a timely manner. It is based on an immunological response to antigens from antibodies in the body.

Antigens are molecules of substances that, when they enter the body (or rather, into the bloodstream), cause the production of antibodies (large protein molecules - protein) or activate lymphocytes. As a rule, substances with a specific structure (for example, substances with a relatively low or, conversely, with a relatively high molecular weight) can act as antigens. Or it will be foreign proteins of phylogenetically (related) different species. Such allergens can enter the human body through an insect bite, or through the use of pharmaceuticals, the use of cosmetics, or with food components.

In fact, any allergic reaction is a response of the immune system, but the state of anaphylactic shock is a larger and less reversible reaction, leading to decompensation (exhaustion of possibilities) of the most important vital functions of the body, as with other types of shock. Therefore, anaphylactic shock must be able to recognize in time.

After a potential allergen enters the human body, all systems in the body begin to malfunction and thereby signal that the immune system has begun to fight antigens , so you need to be very observant in order to distinguish a common allergic reaction from anaphylaxis. You should focus on the work of three body systems: respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal tract.

Signs (symptoms) characteristic of anaphylactic shock:

Respiratory system:

Itchy or stuffy nose
Tingling sensation in the mouth
Swelling of the tongue
Hoarseness of voice
A feeling of a lump in the throat (laryngeal edema)
Cough
Bronchospasm leading to asthmatic conditions
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing (choking)
Increased breathing
Acute respiratory failure

The cardiovascular system:

Frequent pulse of small filling
Dizziness
Fainting
Loss of consciousness and loss of orientation
Tachycardia
Arrhythmia
Hypotension (pressure drop)
Pulmonary hypertension
Heart failure

Skin:

Hyperemia of the skin (redness)
Itchy skin
Tingling
Edema of the skin (edema of the face, edema of the periorbital region, edema of the perioral region) – angioedema
Hives
Sweating

Gastrointestinal tract:

Feeling nauseous
Vomiting
Stomach ache
Diarrhea

The most severe and life-threatening symptoms are laryngeal edema, bronchospasm and vascular collapse (a sharp vasodilation and drop in blood pressure).

Convulsions and dilated pupils may also occur.

As a rule, symptoms begin to appear within 0.5 - 1 minute after the injection of the allergen.

Rules for the provision of emergency care:

Termination of action of the allergen
Giving a person a horizontal position
Chipping of the injection site (or bite) of the allergen 0.5 ml of a 0.1% solution of adrenaline plus inject another 0.5 ml of adrenaline subcutaneously
Inhalation of oxygen (if possible)
Inject intravenously in one syringe:
- 60-120 mg prednisolone or 125-250 mg hydrocortisone
- 2 ml of 2% suprastin or 1 ml of 2% diphenhydramine
- 10 ml saline
With a lightning-fast course, resuscitation measures are in full
Urgent transportation of the victim to a medical facility

From the above, we conclude that, moving away from specialized medical institutions (for example, going out into nature, on hikes and on picnics), it is necessary to take with you a complete first-aid kit and communication equipment. It can save the life of you or those around you.