Live Life Team
Anaphylaxis is a very severe systemic hypersensitivity allergic chemical reaction in humans. The Greek term ‘ana’ means against and ‘phylaxis’ means protection. Small amounts of substances may induce a serious anaphylactic reaction. It may happen after skin contact, ingestion, allergen injection, or even inhalation, in some cases.
The most acute type of anaphylaxis is Anaphylactic shock. It took place when an allergic reaction triggers a rapid release from mastocyte or spar cells of huge amounts of immunological mediators such as histamines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, leading to systemic enlarging of blood vessels and oedema or dropsy of bronchial mucosa (difficulty in breathing). Anaphylactic shock can result in death, if left untreated, in just a matter of minutes.
Anaphylaxis is really a life-threatening illness because of rapid airway constriction which may lead to respiratory arrest and respiratory failure. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the first aid method for anaphylaxis rescue. Administration of epinephrine or adrenalin is the most important treatment for anaphylaxis. It prevents the worsening of airway constriction, and stimulates the heart to beat. Epinephrine acts as a powerful bronchodilator, relieving allergic or acute asthmatic attack. In case the patient has been diagnosed before with anaphylaxis, the patient may be carrying a Twinject for urgent administration of epinephrine for partial relief of symptoms.
Tachycardia, or rapid heartbeat, results from inducement of Beta-1 adrenergic heart receptors, increasing ability and frequency and thus cardiac output. Constant administration of epinephrine may cause tachycardia with heart rates reaching 240 beats every minute, which can be fatal. Extra doses of epinephrine can cause cardiac arrest at times so intramuscular injection of 0.3–0.5ml only of a 1:1,000 dilution is advisable.
