Anaphylactic Shock

Aubrey Cobel
March 25, 2013
First Aid & CPR
Shelby Douglas

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Anaphylactic Shock is a life threatening and rapidly spreading very serious
allergic reaction (MedicineNet). To some the cause can be left unknown but to others the
trigger may be food, medicine, or possibly an insect bite. Anaphylactic shock happens
within seconds or possibly minutes.

Anaphylaxis
An allergic whole body reaction to a substance that has become an allergen. The
person with the allergy might not have a severe allergic reaction to the substance at first
but once they have been exposed to this substance they become sensitized to it and then
the next time they come in contact they are more susceptible to going into anaphylaxis
(PubMed).
When the whole body goes into anaphylactic shock it begins to swell; this can
happen in seconds or possible minutes. Once the reaction has begun the tissues in the
body let off histamine and all soft tissues begin to swell starting at the site of the irritant
and the face and throat. For example if a bee sting triggers an anaphylactic reaction the
area the bee stung will first begin to swell (PubMed).
One thousand, five hundred deaths are caused annually due to severe allergies
resulting in anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. The issue with anaphylaxis is that you are
never quite sure if you are allergic until a reaction has occurred. One of the most common
allergies is that of peanuts or tree nuts. One in every two hundred people is severely
allergic to nuts; even just inhaling the aroma of peanuts may send them into shock (Are
You Prepared for Anaphylaxis?).

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Causes
There are many causes to anaphylaxis especially since every persons body is
different and reacts differently to certain things. The most common causes of anaphylaxis
however are: peanuts (tree nuts), shellfish, latex, insect stings, and medications (WebMDFood, Stings, and More). Even a very minute amount of food can cause anaphylaxis; in
fact some people are so sensitive that if someone is eating for example peanuts at a
restaurant a table away from them they may begin to go into anaphylactic shock
(PubMed).

Signs/Symptoms
Once anaphylaxis has begun there are several signs and symptoms that you may
observe. Signs include anything someone can see and symptoms include anything that the
ill or sick person feels. Some of the signs and symptoms may be:

Swelling and itching of the allergen site

Itchy rash that spreads all over the body
Face and soft tissues begin to swell
Difficulty breathing
Scalp, palms, and soles of the feet become very itchy
Blood pressure begins to drop
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid and weak pulse
Dizziness
Blue or pale skin from lack of oxygen or from shock
Possible loss of consciousness

These signs and symptoms can rapidly evolve into anaphylactic shock (Morris).
One of the first signs of anaphylactic shock is itchiness around the chest or arms.
The next stage is an itchy throat, which is an indication that the reaction can be bad, such

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as you throat may begin to swell. A third sign are hives or a rash, these are some of the
most common signs and symptoms.
Symptoms can vary depending on the person. Since each person is very different
the signs and symptoms can be very different. Some peoples signs and symptoms begin
as soon as they have had contact with the allergen, and others it may take minutes, hours
or it may not even affect them until they have begun to work out (Are You Prepared for
Anaphylaxis?).

Treatment
Any time a person becomes ill with anaphylactic shock people around them need
to call 911 immediately. If your friend has severe allergies and goes into anaphylactic
shock you need to call 911 and also possibly help them use their Epipen or Anapen. An
Epipen and Anapen inject epinephrine or adrenaline in a high dosage. The epinephrine or
adrenaline helps to stop the swelling of airways, itchiness or any other immediate signs
and symptoms. Although the Epipen or Anapen may stop the signs and symptoms for a
short amount of time they are not a cure for anaphylactic shock! The person whom is ill
needs to still be seen by a medical professional (Morris).
The Epipen and Anapen are very important things. Anyone with severe allergies
needs to carry at least one if not two. At your school, work, home and in all places they
should be kept at room temperature. There are two types of Epipens or Anapens; one for
children and one for adults. If you have children with severe allergies it is necessary for
all of their teachers and school nurses to know; as well as keeping an Epipen or Anapen
at school with them in case any accident were to happen.

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Using an epinephrine injector is not a difficult task if you know what you are
doing. In most cases if you are diagnosed with severe allergies the doctor can give you a
practice injector pen (WebMD-Threatening Allergies).

Emergency Care
There are seven steps to using an Epipen or an Anapen. The first step is to inject
the pen right away at the sight of a life threatening reaction into the persons thigh and
call 911. Do not move the person who is ill. Second, have the person sit down, lie down
or stay in whichever position is most comfortable for his or her breathing. The most
common recovering position is flat on the back with feet propped at least twelve inches in
the air, the person is then covered with a coat or blanket. If a head neck or back injury is
suspected however this position is not recommended (PubMed). Third, stay calm. Fourth,
be aware that the Epipen may also cause short-term symptoms. Fifth, if an insect stinger
is present use a hard object to scrape it away from the skin (fingernail, credit card). Do
not pinch the stinger that can release more venom. Sixth, listenmake sure the persons
breathing is clear and airways are not obstructed. Signs of an obstructed airway are;
hoarseness, wheezing or a whispered voice. Seventh, if the person has asthma as well you
can administer their inhaler as well. Also if you are trained and it is needed give cardio
pulmonary resuscitation (WebMD-Threatening Allergies).

Prevention
Any person with severe allergies can prevent an anaphylactic shock attack by
being prepared, and also by being aware of their surroundings. One of the most important
things any person with severe allergies can do is to keep epinephrine with them at all
times; in their homes, work places, schools, and on their person if possible. The

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epinephrine should be kept in a dark place at room temperature. Be sure to check the
expiration date regularly, if the Epipen is expired then replace it. Although if the Epipen
was not replaced it is always better to use expired epinephrine in an emergency than
nothing at all. You should always check the liquid through the window of the autoinjector. If the liquid is not clear then the pen should be replaced and not used. If you
have children with severe allergies be sure that their teachers know and also their school
nurses. They should also take Epipens to the nurses office for them to keep. Another way
to stay prepared; if you are going to be boarding a plane or train let the flight attendant or
the conductor know of your predicament in case of emergency (WebMD-Threatening
Allergies).
If you have severe allergies and you know what you are allergic to one of the
main things you can do is to stay away from that trigger. If you know of any place it may
be and you know that it can cause harm to you make sure to stay away from it. Another
very helpful thing would be to get a medical identification bracelet or necklace to wear at
all times. If you have a history of allergic reactions however make sure to carry your
emergency medications with you at all times. Make sure to never use your epinephrine or
adrenaline injectors on anyone beside yourself. Each injector is specially prescribed to
each person. If you were to use your epinephrine or adrenaline injector on someone then
you could be at fault for any further injury caused to him or her. An injector could cause a
negative affect onto someone and could hurt someone; especially if he or she had a heart
problem (PubMed).

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Works Cited
"Anaphylaxis - PubMed Health." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001847/>.
"Anaphylaxis: Treating Life-Threatening Allergies." WebMD - Better information. Better
health.. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.webmd.com/allergies/anaphylaxis-13/treating-life-threatening>.
"Are You Prepared for Anaphylaxis?." Allergy 911 - Prepare for Allergy Emergencies.
N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. <http://www.allergy911.com/anaphylaxis.
"Definition of Anaphylactic Shock." MedicineNet.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
<www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10092>.
Morris, Dr. Adrian. "Anaphylaxis and Allergic Anaphylactic Shock - Testing &
Treatment." Allergy Testing Clinic | Dr. Adrian Morris - Surrey and London.
N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. <http://www.allergy-clinic.co.uk/more-aboutallergy/anaphylaxis/>.