Every year more and more people prone to allergic reactions are increasing. It is imperative to know what signs of anaphylactic shock may be so that you can help the person in time and prevent the death of the victim.
Anaphylactic shock is an acute form of allergy that develops as a result of a secondary ingestion of an allergen into the body. It manifests itself in the form of a sharp decrease in pressure, impaired consciousness, local symptoms.
The development of anaphylactic shock mainly occurs within 1-15 minutes from the moment of contact with the allergen and can lead to the death of a person if competent assistance is not provided in a timely manner.
Feature of pathology
Anaphylactic shock is a serious condition that develops when the body comes into contact with certain foreign substances. This condition refers to immediate type allergic reactions, in which the combination of antigens with antibodies releases biologically active substances into the blood.substances.
They cause an increase in vascular permeability, impaired blood microcirculation, muscle spasm of internal organs and a number of other disorders. At the same time, blood pressure drops dramatically, and the internal organs and the brain do not receive the required amount of oxygen, which is the main cause of loss of consciousness.
It should be understood that anaphylactic shock is an inadequate response of the body to secondary contact with an allergen. That is why it is imperative to immediately call an ambulance, as the consequences can be very serious. It is important to provide emergency care for anaphylactic shock. The algorithm of actions in this case must be clear and coordinated, since the life of the victim largely depends on this.
The severity of the patient's condition largely depends on the degree of impairment of the immune system. Often, anaphylactic shock is a complication of a food or drug allergy, but it can develop in response to any allergen.
Pathology in children
This type of disease is a particular danger not only for adults, but also for children. Symptoms develop very quickly, and if timely assistance is not provided, various complications may occur, in particular, such as:
- convulsions;
- collapse;
- stroke;
- loss of consciousness.
Similar states occur after about 1-2 minutes. With a high degree of damage and a critical condition of the patient, the death of the patient may occur. Primary signs includelike:
- strong weakness;
- nausea;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- increased heart rate.
In some cases, there are rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. The child may suffocate, and sometimes there is numbness of the limbs. It is imperative to conduct a comprehensive treatment and prevention of anaphylactic shock in children. It is worth remembering that there is a high probability of a relapse, which is why you need to constantly monitor the child and if deviations are found, it is important to immediately carry out appropriate therapy. Prevention of anaphylactic shock includes the following:
- only need to take medication;
- monitor nutrition and home decor;
- to carry out timely diagnosis and treatment of allergies;
- avoiding contact with the allergen.
With proper and timely treatment and prevention, the prognosis is positive. In the case of a severe stage of anaphylactic shock, the death of the child may occur, especially if help is not provided in a timely manner.
Classification
The clinic of anaphylactic shock can be different, and the amount of the allergen and its amount usually do not have any effect on the severity of the condition. Downstream, there are such types of pathology as:
- lightning;
- slow;
- protracted.
Lightning-fast form occurs literally 10-20 seconds after exposure to the allergen. Among the mainmanifestations need to be highlighted:
- bronchospasm;
- collapse;
- pupil dilation;
- convulsions;
- muffled heart sounds;
- fainting;
- involuntary urination and defecation;
- death.
With unqualified or untimely assistance, death occurs literally in 8-10 minutes. A delayed-type reaction occurs after about 3-15 minutes. A protracted form begins to develop in some cases even 2-3 hours after contact with the allergen.
According to the severity of anaphylaxis, experts divide the pathology into 3 degrees, namely:
- easy;
- medium;
- heavy.
Mild degree occurs literally 1-1.5 minutes after contact with the allergen. It manifests itself in the form of itching of the skin, a decrease in pressure, tachycardia. Locally formed swelling on the skin, resembling nettle burns.
Moderate anaphylaxis occurs approximately 15-30 minutes after contact with the allergen, but may begin earlier or later. This condition refers to a protracted form of flow. Among the main reactions of anaphylactic shock, bronchospasm, redness and severe itching of the skin should be distinguished.
Severe degree occurs approximately 3-5 minutes after the penetration of the allergen. Among the main signs of this condition, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- severe hypotension;
- shortness of breath;
- redness and itching of the skin;
- sharp tachycardia;
- headache;
- blueness;
- pupil dilation;
- dizziness;
- fainting;
- convulsions.
It is worth noting that the course and result of therapy will depend on the speed of assistance. Anaphylaxis can affect the entire body or only a specific organ. This manifests itself in the form of certain symptoms. The main types of anaphylaxis include:
- typical;
- asthmoid;
- cardiac;
- abdominal;
- cerebral.
The typical form of the disease is characterized by low blood pressure, fainting, shortness of breath, convulsions, and skin manifestations. Swelling of the larynx is dangerous, as death often occurs in the shortest possible time.
Hemodynamic type of anaphylaxis is characterized by the fact that there are cardiovascular disorders, decreased pressure, pain in the sternum. A comprehensive diagnosis is required, which will distinguish anaphylactic shock from heart disease. Other signs such as skin rashes and choking may be absent.
The asphyxial form is characterized by the fact that initially there are problems with breathing due to swelling of the bronchi, larynx, and lungs. All these signs are combined with coughing, feeling hot, sneezing, heavy sweating, skin rashes. Then there is a decrease in pressure and excessive pallor of the skin. Often a similar manifestation occurs with food allergies.
The cerebral form is rare. It manifests itself in the form of disorders of the nervous system. There may also be anxiety, seizures,headache, respiratory failure. The abdominal form is associated with very severe abdominal pain. They occur approximately 30 minutes after contact with the allergen. It is characterized by bloating, colic, diarrhea. It is imperative to conduct a diagnosis, since these signs are also characteristic of ulcers and intestinal obstruction.
Who is at risk?
No one is safe from the development of anaphylactic shock. It can start in absolutely anyone, but there is a group of people for whom the risk of such a problem is much higher than others. These include people who have a history of:
- asthma;
- urticaria;
- eczema;
- allergic rhinitis;
- dermatitis.
People suffering from mastocytosis are also prone to developing a similar allergic reaction.
Predicting the likelihood of anaphylaxis is almost impossible. She is dangerous in her suddenness. If a person has previously had anaphylactic shock, then he needs to have an extract from the hospital with him indicating the clinical picture, as well as allergens that were detected after allergy tests.
It is very important to pay attention to how you feel when taking previously untested medications, eating unfamiliar foods, visiting botanical gardens with unfamiliar flowering plants. In addition, special care must be taken during walks in nature, to avoid contact with insects and reptiles.
Reasonsoccurrence
The causes of anaphylactic shock are associated with repeated penetration of allergens into the body. Upon initial contact with this substance without any manifestations, the body develops sensitivity and accumulates antibodies. And repeated contact with the allergen, even in small quantities, due to the presence of antibodies, gives a very violent reaction. It often comes from:
- injection of whey and foreign protein;
- anesthetics and anesthetics;
- antibiotics;
- other medicines;
- diagnostic tools;
- consumption of certain foods;
- insect bites.
Depending on the cause of anaphylactic shock, the amount of allergen may be small. Sometimes just one drop of medicine or a small amount of product is enough. However, the higher the dosage, the stronger and longer the shock will be.
Allergies are based on hypersensitivity of cells and the release of histamine, serotonin and other substances that are involved in the occurrence of anaphylaxis.
Main symptoms
People who have a non-standard reaction to a certain type of allergen know about it and try their best to protect the body from unwanted contact. However, it happens that during the initial penetration of the allergen, it does not cause any reaction at all. With its secondary penetration, a number of signs of anaphylactic shock occur. All these pathological reactions affect:
- skin;
- consciousness;
- heart and vessels;
- respiratory system.
Violation of consciousness is characterized by the fact that initially a person feels a clouding of consciousness, and he can also be tormented by nausea and dizziness. In addition, there may be manifestations such as:
- a sharp drop in pressure;
- defects of consciousness;
- noise and buzzing in the ears.
A little later, there is a blockage of the centers of the brain, as a result of which the victim's consciousness turns off. This manifestation may be transient or lead to the death of the patient.
At the very beginning of the course of an allergy, the color of the skin changes, which is due to a decrease in vascular tone. The initial hyperemia is very quickly replaced by cyanosis, pallor, unhe althy appearance of the skin. Pathological changes can lead to increased sweating. Large spots may appear on the skin, which turn pale when pressed. Then the defects may begin to peel off, and dead particles are removed from the surface, which is similar to signs of beriberi or dermatitis.
Among the reactions of anaphylactic shock, it is necessary to note a violation in the work of the heart and a decrease in the tone of blood vessels. As a result, the heart rhythm is disturbed and its tones weaken. The pulse becomes very fast and may not be heard.
First Aid
In case of anaphylactic shock, the first aid algorithm must be coordinated. At the slightest suspicion of the development of pathology, you need to call emergency care. Before the doctor arrives, it is important to stop the intake of the allergen. Algorithm of emergency actionsin anaphylactic shock means:
- allergen elimination;
- neutralization of antigens and antibodies;
- prevent complications.
It is necessary to start the introduction of special anti-shock drugs as soon as possible, which are administered intramuscularly, and in the absence of the desired result - intravenously.
Antihistamines should be taken as an aid. The first aid algorithm for anaphylactic shock implies:
- eliminate signs of asphyxia;
- treatment of cardiovascular insufficiency;
- conducting despasmodic therapy.
If anaphylactic shock occurred after an insect bite, then you need to apply a tourniquet above the bite area. The victim must be given a horizontal position. He should lie on his back with his head slightly tilted to the side. This is necessary to prevent asphyxia. Then you need to release the neck, chest and stomach to ensure the flow of oxygen.
The first action of the doctor should be aimed at preventing the subsequent entry of the allergen into the bloodstream. To do this, a solution of "Epinephrine" or "Adrenaline" is introduced. It is also given to inhale oxygen from an oxygen bag, and then antihistamines are administered. The victim is hospitalized in a hospital for the treatment and prevention of anaphylactic shock.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is made on the basis of available information about contact with the allergen and the onset of the reaction. Stateanaphylactic shock - acute and critical, so the diagnosis is established by the resuscitator.
Signs of this condition can be similar to many other anaphylactic reactions, in particular, acute urticaria or Quincke's edema. It is worth noting that the measures of assistance for these conditions are no different.
Providing treatment
For anaphylactic shock, clinical recommendations include actions such as:
- normalization of pressure;
- eliminate bronchospasm;
- other dangerous signs.
When the patient has a feeling of cold, then a heating pad should be applied to the area where the marginal vessels pass, and then covered with a warm blanket. Be sure to monitor the condition of the skin during this period.
To save a person's life, drugs for anaphylactic shock are administered intravenously, as this allows you to achieve the desired therapeutic effect much faster. The doctor must strictly control the frequency of administration of the drug that ensures the vital activity of the body. In particular, drugs such as Atropine, Adrenaline are used.
Solutions should be injected into a vein and at the same time an indirect heart massage should be done. Preference should be given to the veins of the arms, since injection into the veins of the legs not only somewhat slows down the flow of drugs to the heart, but also accelerates the development of thrombophlebitis.
If for some reason the intravenous use of the requireddrugs is difficult, in this case, immediate injection of them directly into the trachea is required. In addition, some resuscitators recommend injecting these funds into the cheek or under the tongue. Due to the anatomical features of these areas, such methods of administering drugs allow you to achieve the fastest possible therapeutic effect. It is worth remembering that injections must be repeated every 3-5 minutes.
When treating and preventing anaphylactic shock, the clinic is taken into account in the first place, since the doctor must correctly assess the patient's condition. Among all the drugs that are used to remove the patient from a dangerous state, Adrenaline has proven itself very well. The purpose of this medication is to:
- vasodilation;
- stimulating heart contractions;
- increase the tone of the heart muscle;
- activate blood circulation;
- strengthening ventricular contraction;
- increase vascular tone.
In many cases, the timely and qualified administration of this drug increases the chances of successfully removing the patient from a dangerous and serious state of anaphylactic shock. In addition, it is necessary to additionally apply "Atropine", which provokes the blockade of cholinergic receptors of the nervous system. As a result of its action, muscle spasm is eliminated, and pressure is normalized.
It is worth remembering that too rapid administration of "Adrenaline" or an overdose of the drug can provoke the occurrence of some disorders, in particular,such as:
- very high pressure increase;
- angina;
- stroke;
- myocardial infarction.
To prevent the occurrence of all these complications, especially in the elderly, the administration of "Adrenaline" must be slow and at the same time the pulse rate and pressure must be controlled.
After discharge from the hospital with anaphylactic shock, clinical recommendations must be strictly observed. These include the use of prescribed medications, as well as the need to exclude subsequent contact with allergens.
Possible Complications
When providing emergency care and preventing anaphylactic shock, the symptoms must be taken into account, as this will prevent the occurrence of complications and death of the patient. If timely assistance is not provided and treatment is not carried out, then complications may arise, the main of which is a fatal outcome. Death from anaphylaxis can be triggered by causes such as:
- asphyxia due to bronchospasm or lung spasm;
- breathing stops;
- sagging tongue during loss of consciousness and convulsions;
- acute respiratory, cardiac, renal failure;
- cerebral edema with irreversible consequences.
Some percentage of mortality may be due to the fact that the symptoms of anaphylaxis are somewhat similar to those of a heart attack, asthma attack, acute poisoning. Help is provided as a patient with these pathologies, and not as a patient with a severe course of anaphylaxis.
Forecast andprevention
When carrying out the prevention of anaphylactic shock, the causes and mechanism of development of such a violation is very important to consider, as this will prevent the occurrence of complications. It is often impossible to predict the occurrence of anaphylaxis. However, it is worth paying attention to the manifestation of an allergy to a certain substance. Patients who have previously suffered anaphylactic shock should avoid contact with the allergen. You also need to have a hospital statement with you, which indicates which substance you are allergic to.
Key measures to prevent anaphylactic shock include:
- strengthening immunity;
- maintaining an active lifestyle;
- eating he althy, wholesome food.
It is advisable to follow a hypoallergenic diet, strengthen the sanitary and hygienic regime, do not take several medications at the same time, especially antibacterial agents. When using household chemicals, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment. Cosmetics and perfumes should be used only made on a natural basis. Prevention and treatment of anaphylactic shock includes additional administration of prescribed antihistamines.
During the period of remission, you need to do allergy tests to determine which component the body reacts so violently to. The Bezredko method is often used to prevent anaphylactic shock, which means that a foreign protein is gradually introduced into the body. Start with small doses firstwhich are gradually increasing.
For those with a predisposition to insect sting allergies, repellents and protective clothing, as well as gardening gloves, are recommended during the warm season. In addition, the patient's family must have the required medicines.
Knowing what to do and what help to provide, you can give a pretty good forecast. Stabilization of well-being after therapy should be maintained for a week, and then the outcome can be considered positive. With frequent contact with the allergen, systemic diseases can occur, in particular, such as periarteritis or lupus erythematosus.
Prevention of complications
In anaphylactic shock, prevention also concerns the development of complications. With anaphylaxis, which is accompanied by a sharp and prolonged bronchospasm, emergency care implies an expansion of the lumen of the bronchi. For this, medications such as:
- "Ephedrine";
- "Eufillin";
- Alupent;
- Berotek;
- Izadrin.
The drug "Eufillin" helps to weaken the muscles of the respiratory system, intestines and stomach. In case of prolonged and persistent bronchospasm with hypotension, doctors mainly prescribe glucocorticoids, in particular "Hydrocortisone", which is applied in the form of an aerosol.
In case of violation of the heart rate, the victim is given drugs such as:
- "Atropine" for bradycardia;
- Korglikon for tachycardia;
- "Strophanthin".
All of these drugs are given very slowly intravenously. In anaphylactic shock, prevention of complications means preventing the onset of convulsions. If the patient is overexcited and convulsions occur, it is urgent to administer drugs such as Phenobarbital and Diazepam. They are administered very slowly intramuscularly and intravenously at 50-250 mg once.
If there is a suspicion of cerebral or pulmonary edema, drugs such as ganglionic blockers, diuretics should be used. If the doctor notices a bronchospasm in a patient, then it is imperative to take appropriate measures to prevent anaphylactic shock and its complications. For this you need:
- administer drugs that eliminate bronchospasm;
- take corticosteroids;
- with an increase in asphyxia, urgently perform a lung massage.
The introduction of drugs is carried out against the background of constant inhalation using an oxygen cushion. Medications should be administered only intravenously, because due to the deterioration of the blood circulation process, intramuscular injections in emergency cases are not effective enough. Respiratory arrest, fainting and no pulse are indications for urgent resuscitation.
