A.Belyaev, Lida
Anaphylactic shock is a poor, pathological condition which is dangerous to human life. It is developed during contact of an organism with some allogenic substances, called antigenes. Anaphylactic shock refers to the immediate allergic reactions, during which the connection of the antigene with the antibodies causes the emission of biologically active substances (histamine, serotonin, bradykinin) into the blood. These substances raise the permeability of blood vessels, halt the blood circulation in tiny vessels, cause internal muscle spasms and a range of other abnormalities. Blood accumulates at the periphery, arterial pressure falls and the organs and brain do not receive enough oxygen. This is the main cause of loss of consciousness.
Such reaction of a body to these allogenic substances is hyperergic (superstrong). The severity of the condition of the person is caused by abnormality of immunological reaction to the organism.
The most frequent reasons for the development of anaphylactic shock are insect stings (bees, wasps, etc.) and the introduction of medicines like penicillin, serum, vaccines and others. Similar reactions to foodstuffs (chocolate, peanuts, oranges, mangos or various kinds of fish and shrimps) or the inhalation of pollen or dust allergens occur less often.
The clinical presentation of anaphylactic shock is characterised by its quickness of development. For the majority of people the disease begins with the occurrence of a feeling of heat, redness of the skin, a fear of death, pain behind breastbone and headaches. After several seconds or minutes after contact with the allergen, such symptoms as a depression of consciousness may develop, as well as a falling of arterial pressure; spasms or involuntary urination.
The most typical signs of anaphylactic shock are the following:
A sharp decrease in arterial pressure up to a collapse, a loss of consciousness or confusion, spasms, excitation or dizziness, skin can become pale and bluish and covered by clammy sweat, occurrence of eruptions on skin in the form of urticarial, edema of neck and body tissue, face reddening, nausea, abdominal pains, bronchospasm (shortness of breath) which is accompanied by a fear of death, short breath, a difficulty in breathing and a feeling of a shortage of oxygen.
As a rule diagnosis is made according to a clinical presentation.
First aid for anaphylactic shock
The urgent help for anaphylactic shock should be rendered at the occurrence of its first symptoms, as it can lead to death of the victim. At the occurrence of this condition, all systems of the organism suffer. If a person has a repeated shock reaction, it can be more severe, than the previous times.
Pre-medical help for anaphylactic shock should include the following actions:
● Air out the premise, stop the introduction of medicines, twist a tourniquet above the place of an injection or sting, debride a wound with antiseptic, apply cold.
● Put the victim horizontally, to reduce pressure, and with slightly raised feet, turn the head on one side, pull out lower jaw, take away any dental prosthesis from the mouth to prevent asphyxia as a result of the patient swallowing their own tongue or vomit.
● Monitor the pulse, pressure and breath of the patient.
● Force the patient to take antihistamine which is readily available (tavegil, suprastin, fencarol).
When a doctor arrives, give them information about the exact time of the beginning of the reaction, the symptoms, aid rendered and anamnesis — if it is known.
Preventive measures
To predict an occurrence of anaphylactic shock is impossible in most cases. But it is necessary to pay attention to displays of allergy to this or that substance (medicines, foodstuffs etc.) and in future to try to avoid repeated introduction of this substance into the body. The people, who earlier have had an anaphylactic shock, should necessarily have a medical record with a description of the allergen.
By Tatiana Zhukova, doctor of higher category, D.M. Ph.D.
