Anaphylactic shock

A severe, sometimes fatal, immediate allergic reaction, usually occurring seconds to minutes after exposure to an antigen and mediated via histamine.


A severe, life-threatening form of a general allergic reaction.


An overreaction of the immune system that occurs in someone in response to a substance that the person has been previously sensitized to, such as an insect sting from a bee or wasp or drugs like penicillin. This overreaction causes nausea, flushing, depressed blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, and difficulty breathing, and it may lead to coma or death.


An extreme drop of blood pressure resulting in inadequate flow of oxygenated blood to body organs.


A sudden severe reaction, which can be fatal, to something such as an injected substance or a bee sting.


Shock induced by an allergic reaction to an injected substance, such as bee’s venom or penicillin.


Severe and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reaction to the injection or ingestion of a substance (e.g., penicillin, shellfish, insect venom, vaccine) to which the organism has become sensitized by a previous exposure. Symptoms, including anxiety, weakness, shortness of breath, laryngeal edema, cardiac and respiratory abnormalities, hypotension, and shock, may occur within minutes of exposure. Treatment must be prompt and usually involves use of epinephrine, the maintenance of an open airway, and the treatment of cardiac and other problems. Persons with known hypersensitivity reactions are advised to avoid the offending agent and, if that is not always possible (e.g., insect venom), to carry an emergency kit with epinephrine and other necessary first-aid items.


A life-threatening type of allergic reaction affecting the entire body. Anaphylactic shock occurs when a person has been sensitized to a substance and the immune system has been triggered to recognize that substance as a threat. If the sensitized person encounters the substance again, the body reacts with a sudden, severe reaction affecting all body systems. Symptoms include hives; itching; swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, hands, and feet; wheezing, coughing, and breathing problems; blue or red skin; and dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms usually develop rapidly.


Rapidly developing, systemic anaphylaxis that produces life threatening acute airway obstruction followed by vascular collapse within minutes after exposure to an antigen.


A severe and sometimes fatal reaction in a susceptible individual after a second exposure to certain allergens.


Life-threatening allergic response typified by a drastic drop in blood pressure.


A profound hypersensitive response that triggers a decrease in blood pressure, accelerated heart rate, swelling of the respiratory passage, skin rash, and potentially seizures.


Anaphylactic shock is a rare and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It belongs to the category of Type I hypersensitivity reactions and is observed in individuals with an extreme sensitivity to specific substances, known as allergens. Insect venom, certain foods, and drugs are among the common culprits that can trigger anaphylactic shock.


During anaphylactic shock, upon entry of the allergen into the bloodstream, there is a massive release of histamine and other chemicals. This sudden and significant release leads to a severe drop in blood pressure and constriction of the airways. Additional symptoms of anaphylactic shock may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, swelling of the tongue and throat, as well as an itchy rash.


Anaphylactic shock necessitates immediate emergency medical intervention. Administering an injection of adrenaline (epinephrine) can be life-saving in such situations. If the affected individual’s breathing or heartbeat has ceased, cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be performed. Additionally, antihistamine drugs and corticosteroid drugs may be administered as part of the treatment protocol. Prompt and appropriate medical care is vital when dealing with anaphylactic shock.


Rapid and severe deterioration occurring after the injection of an alien protein.


A critical and potentially fatal type of widespread allergic reaction.


 


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