Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and can be fatal. How to recognize an anaphylaxis? How can we treat it?
What is it?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and can be fatal.
It is a generalized reaction in which skin symptoms appear along with gastrointestinal, respiratory or circulatory symptoms.
The most frequent causes are:
Food
In children: fish, shellfish, nuts, eggs and milk.
In adults: fish, shellfish, fruits and nuts.
Medication:
Antibiotics
radiological contrasts
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin and derivatives…)
Insect bites
In Spain, the most common cause is medication and diagnostic means, food, stings, physical factors such as physical exercise and other causes, in this order of appearance.
How to recognize an anaphylaxis?
Its diagnosis is made based on the symptoms that the person presents, there is no medical test to help us confirm the diagnosis.
Anaphylaxis should be suspected when the following symptoms progressively appear in a few minutes:
Involvement of skin and mucous membranes, which in the most serious cases does not appear.
Respiratory manifestations: shortness of breath, sensation of swelling in the throat, wheezing in the chest...
Circulatory disorders: palpitations, drop in blood pressure, dizziness...
Digestive problems: vomiting, nausea...
We will be facing a case of anaphylactic shock when there is a circulatory affectation with a decrease in blood pressure and a weak pulse.
How can we treat an anaphylactic reaction?
The entire environment of a person at risk of suffering from anaphylaxis must know how to act in an emergency and always carry the necessary medication to administer it.
When a person is experiencing an episode of anaphylaxis and is not vomiting or choking, they should be placed lying on their back with their legs elevated to increase their blood flow. If you are vomiting you will have to remain seated and if you are unconscious but breathing, they will be placed lying on their side indifferently except in the case of pregnant women who will be placed on the left side.
Immediately afterwards the medication will be injected and the emergency room will be notified.
It is advisable to withdraw the substance that is causing anaphylaxis:
Medication: Suspend its administration.
Insect bite: Remove the stinger quickly.
Food: Remove food debris from the mouth without causing vomiting.
Latex: Avoid contact with these products.
Sometimes the anaphylactic reaction can lead to cardiorespiratory arrest. Therefore, we must be attentive to warning signs such as:
Difficulty breathing and the skin of the lips and fingers, mainly, turns blue
continuous vomiting
Low blood pressure and weak pulse
Dizziness, loss of consciousness, and a feeling of impending doom
Chest pain and palpitations
Confusion, drowsiness, and coma
If this happens, you must urgently:
Administer medication with the autoinjector
Request an ambulance on 112
Start basic life support maneuvers
What to do after an anaphylactic reaction?
After this type of reaction, a record of the characteristics of the reaction should be made to inform your doctor:
Time at which it occurred.
Symptoms.
Possible cause.
Where did it happen.
Possible associated factors.
After an episode of anaphylaxis and the use of adrenaline, you have to go to an emergency medical center.
How is the adrenaline autoinjector used?
Two models of autoinjectors are marketed in Spain:
JEXT autoinjectors
Jext Auto-Injectors
ALTELLUS autoinjectors
The Meda company has presented a new version of its 'Altellus' adrenaline auto-injector, which incorporates an improved design that facilitates its use by the patient and elements for safety and control of the adrenaline injection in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
HEALTH
MEDA
Altellus autoinjectors
To use an adrenaline autoinjector, follow these steps:
Grab it with the hand we use to write with the thumb next to the back cover.
With the other hand we remove that lid.
Depending on the device we will do the following:
JEXT: The black end is placed on the outside of the thigh at a 90o angle and pressed until it clicks. Then it is held down for 10 seconds.
ALTELLUS: The autoinjector is held about 10 cm from the outside of the thigh with the black end pointing there. With force, this black part is nailed perpendicularly to the thigh until you hear a click and keep it pressed for 10 seconds.
After 10 seconds, the injector is removed and the area is massaged for another 10 seconds.
After administration, call 112 and seek immediate medical assistance.
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