Anaphylactic shock is classified as one of the most dangerous and life-threatening allergic reactions. Considerable decrease in blood pressure reduces the oxygen level within the brain. Besides, the condition is frequently accompanied by lung inflammation that results in devastating shortness of breath. A combination of these symptoms can be deadly. Anaphylaxis is a nasty allergic reaction that affects more than one organ and body system. While a typical allergic reaction can trigger wheezing and itching in the lungs, anaphylactic reaction will activate a mix of uncommon symptoms.
There are only two main ways to claim someone experiences an anaphylactic shock. Firstly, you can identify common symptoms of the condition. Secondly, you can identify exposure to allergens, activating the signs of anaphylactic shock.
Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock
Most importantly, anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction. Its identification depends on the following symptoms:
● Blotchy skin.
A usual allergic reaction becomes anaphylaxis in case an allergy starts affecting more than a single body system. For instance, wheezing together with itching serve an indicator of anaphylaxis development. Anaphylaxis turns to be anaphylactic shock the moment a patient feels considerable blood pressure reduction or its symptoms:
● Pale skin;
Shortness of breath is another important symptom of anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Breathing problems do not always occur during anaphylactic episodes, though, generally, they are great indicators of allergy transference to anaphylaxis. Here are the telltale symptoms to look for:
● Pursed lip breathing;
● Using neck muscles in order to breathe;
● Problems saying more than 1-2 words;
● Gasping for breath;
● Sitting with hands on knees or straight up.
Defining the Allergen
It is much easier to identify anaphylactic shock in case its allergen is known. For example, people, who are allergic to bee stings, will surely know they have been stung. However, sometimes, a patient is not aware of the allergen triggering the condition, thus, he/she just experiences anaphylaxis development. People, who have previously had allergic reactions, especially severe ones, should know the triggers, which can activate further condition aggravation.
The situation can help you figure out if this is anaphylaxis. Patients that are allergic to foods have higher chances to experience anaphylactic shock while eating.
Possible Treatments of Anaphylactic Shock
After you have identified the reaction, further treatment will depend on severity of the reaction. The therapy for usual allergic reaction presupposes preventing the reaction development into anaphylaxis. It can be achieved with Benadryl. On the other hand, Epinephrine can be required for treatment of both anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock.