An anaphylactic shock, or anaphylaxis, is a severe, allergic reaction that affects the whole body. Recently, the H1N1 vaccine is under still more scrutiny after the vaccine was suspected of causing illness and deaths, possibly due to anaphylactic shock in isolated incidents.
The cause of these abnormal reactions and deaths are not yet determined and the vaccine may not have have been the cause. In some individuals, reactions may have also been due to severe egg allergies; see H1N1 Vaccine May Trigger Egg Allergy Reaction for more information.
Anaphylaxis is a rare reaction; however, it is a life-threatening, emergency condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs in individuals that have been overly sensitized to an allergen after being exposed to it on one occurrence. If they are exposed to it again, a sudden, severe allergic reaction may occur.
Pollen, dust and other inhaled allergens rarely cause anaphylaxis; common causes in individuals with severe allergic reactions are drug allergies, food allergies and insect bites and stings.
Some individuals may suffer anaphylactic-like reactions to some allergens; these are toxic reactions and not true anaphylaxis, though they are also severe, potentially harmful reactions.
Signs of an Anaphylactic Reaction
Anaphylaxis rarely occurs. However, it is life-threatening and can occur at any time. Risks include history of any type of severe allergic reactions.
Signs of an anaphylactic reaction include the following:
- difficulty breathing
- abnormal breathing and wheezing
- coughing and nasal congestion
- hives and skin itching and redness
- constricting of the throat and swelling of the airways
- dizziness, light-headedness, fainting
- anxiety and confusion
- abdominal cramping, pain and diarrhea
- increased heart rate and palpitations
A physician or medical professional can determine whether an anaphylactic reaction is occurring by medical tests under emergency care. These include:
- arrythmia or abnormal heart rate or pulse
- pulmonary edema or fluid in the lungs
- low blood pressure
- cyanosis or blue appearance to the skin due to lack of oxygen
- shock
- swelling of the eyes or face
Emergency Treatment is Required for Anaphylaxis
If an individual experiences symptoms that may be caused by an anaphylactic reaction, paramedics must be called immediately.
The patient will be given treatment immediately. This may include CPR and endotracheal tubation or a tube through the airway to help breathing after checking the ABC (airway, breathing and circulation) of the patient. In severe cases where the throat, mouth or airway is completely constricted due to severe swelling, a tracheostomy or emergency surgery to allow air directly into the trachea may be required.
An epinephrine injection may be given to open the airways and raise blood pressure immediately; this is why an Epi-pen is important for individuals with severe allergic reactions. Intravenous fluids are given to treat shock. A doctor may also administer antihistamines and corticosteroids to reduce the immune reaction once the patient is stabilized.
If you have concerns about allergic reactions and the H1N1 immunization consult your family physician. Anaphylactic allergic reactions can be prevented or treated and in most cases do not cause death.
References:
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
