Anaphylaxis Symptoms
A person who has a severe allergic reaction to an allergen, which could be a drug, a food or the bite or sting of an insect, could go into anaphylactic shock. This happens almost immediately as the immune system sends a signal to the tissues of the body to release large amounts of histiamines, prostaglanmdins and leukotriemes. The whole body is involved in the allergic reaction, which can result in death if not treated immediately. The bronchioles in the lungs also start to constrict making it extremely difficult for the person to breathe.
There is a sudden drop in blood pressure because of the histamines and fluid could start to leak into the bloodstream, thus lowering the quality of the blood. A person going into anaphylactic shock will be short of breath and be wheezing. He/She may also have stomach pains and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Some of the other symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:
- Polyuria – the passage of a large volume of urine
- Respiratory failure – the carbon dioxide levels are higher than the levels of oxygen and the patient loses consciousness
- Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain
- Fainting - a loss of consciousness
- Hives – these usually develop on the lips, eyelids and throat and sometimes on the tongue. They also develop quite quickly.
- Angioedema – a raid swelling of the skin, which can be life-threatening It can also obstruct the airways cutting off the air supply to the lungs.
A flushed appearance is also a symptom of anaphylaxis as are tears and stress associated with the fear caused by such am allergic reaction.