Anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis is shock caused by an allergic reaction whichheavy. This reaction will menghasilkan drastic drop in blood pressure blood flow to whole body tissue disturbed. as a result,symptoms appearin the form ofdifficulty breathing, even decreased consciousness.
Anaphylactic shock can occur within minutes after the patient is exposed to the allergen (allergen). Within 12 hours after the first shock, anaphylactic shock has the potential to reoccur.biphasic anaphylaxis). This condition of anaphylactic shock needs to be treated as soon as possible because it can be life-threatening.
Causes of Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction or a severe allergic reaction. A hypersensitivity reaction will cause the immune system (immune system) to react abnormally or excessively to certain substances or substances (allergens). Excessive immune system reaction in anaphylactic shock will cause disruption of blood flow and oxygen absorption in all organs of the body. As a result, a number of symptoms and complaints will appear.
Anaphylactic shock can be triggered by a variety of allergens. Some of the common allergens that trigger anaphylactic shock are:
- Certain medications, such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or anti-seizure medications
- Foods, such as seafood, eggs, milk, whole grains, nuts, or fruit
- Insect stings, such as red ants, bees, centipedes, or wasps
- Food preservatives
- Plants, such as grass or flower pollen
- Other materials, such as inhaled latex dust
Although rare, sometimes anaphylactic shock can be triggered by exercise, dirty air, and there is also anaphylactic shock of unknown cause (idiopathic).
Risk factors for anaphylactic shock
Anyone can go into anaphylactic shock. However, there are several conditions that can increase a person's risk for anaphylactic shock, including:
- Suffering from asthma or allergies
- Have you had anaphylactic shock before?
- Have a family member with a history of allergies or anaphylactic shock
Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock can occur within minutes or hours after the person ingests, inhales, or is exposed to the allergen.
Early symptoms of anaphylactic shock can look like allergy symptoms. Symptoms include sneezing and the appearance of a rash on the skin. However, the symptoms will get worse quickly. Some of the symptoms that appear when a person goes into anaphylactic shock are:
- A rash like hives appears, which feels itchy
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing
- Pulse is faster but feels weak
- Blood pressure that drops drastically, can cause weakness, dizziness, and feel like passing out
- Cramps or stomach pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- A tingling sensation in the scalp, mouth, hands and feet
- Appears confused, restless, or has decreased consciousness
- Heart pounding
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the eyelids, lips, tongue and throat
When to go to the doctor
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms mentioned above, because anaphylactic shock is an emergency condition. Early treatment is needed so that the condition can be treated immediately and the risk of complications can be prevented.
Diagnosis of Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock will be diagnosed by a doctor through examination and questions and answers about the history of previous allergen exposure. When the patient comes with the above complaints and symptoms, the doctor will conduct a thorough examination and confirm the vital signs, namely blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, and the patient's level of consciousness.
The doctor will also ask the patient's companion or closest family about the history of drug use, food consumption, exposure to certain substances and materials, or the patient's previous history of allergies. Furthermore, while carrying out an examination, the doctor will carry out treatment to stabilize the patient's condition.
After the patient's condition is stable, the doctor may carry out several investigations, such as blood tests to detect elevated histamine levels and tryptase or allergy test (skin prick test or intradermal test) to detect the cause of the substance causing the allergic reaction.
Anaphylactic Shock Treatment
Anaphylactic shock is an emergency that must be treated immediately. If you find a patient suspected of anaphylactic shock, immediately contact a medical officer for help as well as direction. Epinephrine injection is one of the treatments for anaphylactic shock. Doctors will give this injection as soon as possible in patients who are in anaphylactic shock.
Treatment of anaphylactic shock aims to stabilize the patient's condition, relieve symptoms, prevent recurrence of anaphylactic shock, and prevent complications. First aid and follow-up are needed to ensure the safety of patients with anaphylactic shock.
When a patient experiencing anaphylactic shock arrives at the hospital, the doctor will provide assistance to stabilize the patient's condition. Some of the initial help that can be done are:
- Clearing the airway (airway)
- supplemental oxygen (breathing)
- Administration of intravenous fluids (circulation)
- Administration of epinephrine or adrenaline
- Conduct regular evaluations of patients
Some additional drugs will also be given, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, beta agonist drugs to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence of anaphylactic shock. Furthermore, the patient will receive regular care and monitoring. If the patient in anaphylactic shock presents with respiratory and cardiac arrest, the doctor will perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Complications of Anaphylactic Shock
If left untreated, anaphylactic shock can lead to death. Complications that can arise from anaphylactic shock include:
- Kidney failure
- Arrhythmia
- Heart attack
- Brain damage
- Cardiogenic shock
Prevention of Anaphylactic Shock
Allergic and anaphylactic reactions are difficult to prevent, especially if you don't know that you have an allergy to a certain substance. However, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock, including:
- Perform allergy testing at the hospital or clinic
- Read the description labels on food packaging, especially if you have a history of allergies to certain ingredients
- Use insect repellent especially when outdoors
- Use footwear when walking outside the house
- Tell your doctor about your medical history, including your previous allergy history