Anaphylaxis is a reaction of the body due to hypersensitivity to certain substances, such as the venom of some insects.
Anaphylaxis is a reaction of the body that is linked to hypersensitivity to certain substances. The term in our language comes from the French anaphylaxie , in turn derived from a Greek word.
Anaphylaxis appears when the individual, some time after having come into contact with an organic substance , does so again, suffering different disorders in their body. In this way, anaphylaxis is similar to an allergy , although its consequences are usually more serious.
It can be said that anaphylaxis is an immunological reaction developed by the body to a sting , a food or a drug , to name a few possibilities.
Discovery of anaphylaxis
The Frenchman Charles Robert Richet ( 1850 – 1935 ) won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1913 for his research on anaphylaxis. Richet discovered that contact with an antigen could create an immunization ( phylaxis ) or the opposite effect ( anaphylaxis ).
Thus, in the event of new contact, even in lower doses, anaphylaxis can cause exaggerated sensitivity that leads to the death of the person.
Eating shellfish can trigger anaphylaxis.
The symptoms
Foods such as seafood, dairy products, and legumes; anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs; and poisons produced by certain insects can cause anaphylaxis. The most serious condition is known as anaphylactic shock .
Anaphylaxis can be triggered in a few seconds, and in the long list of symptoms that characterize it we find the following:
- Skin manifestations, such as skin redness, pruritus and hives.
- Feeling of anxiety.
- Tightness or discomfort in the chest.
- Congestion of the airways, leading to some difficulty breathing and problems such as wheezing and coughing.
- Bronchospasms.
- Palpitations.
- Problems swallowing your own saliva and food.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Headache .
- Inflammation of the face in general, the tongue and the eyes.
- Vertigo and dizziness.
- Arrhythmia.
- Difficulties articulating words when speaking.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Hypotension.
How to act in a case of anaphylaxis
When asked about a suspected case of anaphylaxis, the doctor examines the patient and asks a series of questions to try to find the cause of the problem. If this is not evident, it is always possible to indicate tests for the allergen responsible for the reaction.
It is very important to highlight that anaphylaxis is considered an emergency, and for this reason it is necessary to seek professional help as soon as it is detected. Lack of treatment can lead to collapse of the circulatory system or fatal obstruction of the airways.
If we are next to someone who is suffering from anaphylaxis, we must check their airways, listen to the sound of their breathing and control their blood circulation. Dysphonia, a hoarse voice, or noises during inhalation can be signs of serious swelling in the throat .
Another fundamental step is to call the emergency number to request medical assistance immediately. While the doctors arrive, we must try to reassure the patient. If it is a reaction to a bee sting, we can use a rigid object to remove the stinger from the skin; It is important not to use tweezers, as the pressure can cause greater release of venom.
In some cases, the patient carries a specific medication for anaphylaxis; If so, we must help him take it, although if he has difficulty breathing it is preferable to avoid oral products.
Paramedics have different means to assist the person as soon as they arrive at the scene, such as placing a tube through the nostrils or mouth, or directly through the trachea after performing emergency surgery. Already in the hospital, the doctor can supply chemical mediators, act on hemodynamics and provide oxygen .