What is Anaphylaxis?

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What is Anaphylaxis?

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By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Anaphylaxis is a life threatening medical emergency. It is basically a severe and deadly form of allergic reaction that can affect several systems of the body. Anaphylaxis is also known as anaphylaxis shock.

The vital areas affected by anaphylaxis include:-

    Breathing and airways
    Larynx or the voice box that forms the opening of the airways
    Blood circulation

http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Anaphylaxis.aspx

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Anaphylaxis Types

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By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Anaphylaxis is a life threatening condition that is brought about by a severe allergic reaction.
Mechanism of anaphylaxis

The triggers or causes of anaphylaxis may range from insect venom or stings to foods, drugs and medications. The trigger may be exercising in cold dry climates as well.

Most of these triggers however act via Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The IgE cross links with the mast cells and basophils binding to FceRI present on these cells.

Once bound this gives rise to a chain of reactions where the complement and coagulation systems are activated and T-cells are activated along with release of neuropeptide (substance P) release and cytotoxicity.

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Anaphylaxis-Types.aspx

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Anaphylaxis Causes

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By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

There are several known triggers or causes of anaphylactic reactions. Some of the common and identifiable causes include:-

    Medications or drugs

    Penicillin is the most common cause of drug-induced anaphylaxis. The incidence of allergy to penicillin is around 1 in 500 of the population. Many of these individuals may escape with just a skin rash or urticaria as a response to penicillin. Only some would manifest symptoms of an anaphylactic shock.

    Around 4% of those allergic to penicillins are also allergic to cephalosporins (another group of antibiotics) especially to first generation cephalosporins. The next common group of medications that cause drug induced anaphylaxis includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aspirin.

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Anaphylaxis-Causes.aspx

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Anaphylaxis Prevention

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By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Persons who have experienced anaphylaxis once are likely to suffer from it again when exposed to triggers. Several measures may be adopted to prevent anaphylaxis or treat them urgently.

Some of the measures include:-

    Avoidance of triggers

    While all triggers that cause anaphylaxis are impossible to avoid, some may be easily and safely be avoided.

    For example, those who have had an anaphylactic shock attack due to some food allergies need to avoid that food. Basic steps include checking the labels of foods thoroughly before consumption, informing hosts or staff at a restaurant about the food allergy before preparation etc.

    Some foods may have small traces of the allergenic foods. For example some sauces and gravies may include small amounts of peanuts that a person may be allergic to. One who is susceptible needs to be aware.

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Anaphylaxis-Prevention.aspx

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Anaphylaxis Treatment

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By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Anaphylaxis is an emergency and may be life threatening if not attended to promptly. If a person is suspected to be having an attack of anaphylaxis, he or she should be immediately brought to the emergency department for management.

If the potential trigger is seen for example the sting of the bee or wasp or hornet is seen embedded in the skin, it should be gently removed to prevent further exposure.
What does adrenaline do?

Anaphylaxis leads to cardinal features like:-

    Severely lowered blood pressure
    Severely narrowed airways that hamper breathing
    Swollen and edematous larynx and throat tissues that further constricts airways and hampers breathing

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Anaphylaxis-Treatment.aspx