anaphylactic shock

Anaphylactic shock: life threatening allergic reaction

Anaphylactic shock is a type 1 hypersensitive reaction (IgE mediated) which occur systematically which life threatening while asthma also in the same group but only occur locally. When you exposed to allergen for the first time , IgE will produced and bind to mast cells. When you reexposed to the same allergen, especially via injury or food, this cause release of histamine from mast cells to all body regions causing capillary leaks, bronchopspasm, wheeze, cyanosis, edema, hypotension because of loss of fluid by formation of edema, tachycardia and urticaria.

Example of precipitants are drugs for example penicillin, latex, stings, eggs, peanuts and pollens.

How we manage anaphylaxis:

First of all, we need to secure the airways and give 100% O2 intubation if respiratory obstruction. The next step is we need to remove the cause and raising the feet to help restore blood circulation. Then we give adrenaline to restore blood pressure and for brochodilation. For further detail you can refer Wikipedia.