Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that affects the entire body. After a person has been exposed to an allergen, such as a bee sting, the immune system becomes sensitized to that allergen and the reaction may be a lot worse the next time the same thing occurs. The reaction is very sudden and severe. The tissues in the body release massive amounts of histamines, prostaglanins and leukotriemes. This release triggers a sudden drop in blood pressure and the patient may experience great difficulty in breathing.
Some of the common causes of anaphylaxis are:
- Allergic reactions to certain types of prescription medicines, such as sulfa drugs, Insulin, anticonvulsants and local anesthetics.
- Allergies to food, such as peanuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat, soy and tree nuts
- Insect bites and stings
While pollen is a common allergen, it rarely causes anaphylaxis. In a person that is having an anaphylactic reaction to a substance, hives can develop on the lips, eyelids, throat and tongue almost immediately. Sometimes these hives block the airways or cause swelling of the throat making it extremely difficult to breathe.
Medical treatment is required immediately when a person goes into what is called anaphylactic shock. First aid treatment consists of performing rescue breathing if the patient has stopped breathing while waiting for medical personnel to arrive on the scene. Remove all rings or any other objects that may restrict breathing or blood flow if parts of the body start to swell. If the patient has had such a reaction in the past, he/she will have an Epi-pen. This is a needle that you insert in the fleshy part of the thigh with a quick jab.
If the anaphylactic reaction is the result of a sting or bite from an insect, you should wrap the of the bite or sting in ice. Do not use tweezers to try to remove the stinger as this may only drive in it further.