Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. This reaction involves multiple systems in the body and can cause severe breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, and even death.
Anaphylaxis can occur after exposure to an allergen, such as certain foods, medications, bee stings, and natural latex. Common food allergens in children include milk, eggs, peanuts, sesame seeds, and nuts. In adults, common allergens include nuts, peanuts, fish, and shellfish.
Mechanism:
Upon initial exposure to an allergen, the body produces antibodies called IgE against it. Upon subsequent exposure, the allergen binds to these antibodies, signaling the immune system to release substances that attack the allergen. These substances trigger the allergic reaction. If the immune system's response is localized and limited, it may cause only local allergic reactions, such as allergic rhinitis, hives, and asthma. However, if large amounts of these attacking substances are released, the reaction may affect various tissues and organs, leading to an anaphylactic reaction.
Symptoms and Signs:
Anaphylactic reactions can develop rapidly, within minutes, and involve various systems in the body:
Skin: Hives, swelling, itching.
Nose: Sneezing, runny nose.
Digestive system: Nausea, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea.
Throat: A feeling of tightness in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and itching.
Respiratory system: Coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing.
Heart: Weak pulse, drop in blood pressure, fainting, pallor, or bluish discoloration.
Additional symptoms: Feelings of anxiety, headache, chest discomfort or pain.
Not all the symptoms mentioned above necessarily appear in an anaphylactic reaction, and in 25% of cases, symptoms may take a few hours to develop.
Treatment of Anaphylactic Reaction due to Food Allergy:
The best treatment is prevention. Anyone who has experienced an anaphylactic reaction is at risk of a recurrence, and individuals with asthma and food sensitivity are at risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis.
In case of suspected exposure to an allergenic food, immediate signs of anaphylactic reaction should be recognized, and an automatic adrenaline injector (Epi-pen) should be used according to the emergency action plan (see here).
Adrenaline acts quickly, raising blood pressure, dilating the airways, and reducing swelling. Its effects last for about twenty minutes. After administering it, medical assistance should be sought, or the patient should be taken to the triage room.
Additional treatment in the hospital includes fluid replacement, antihistamines, steroids, oxygen, and inhaled bronchodilators.
The patient should be observed for several hours, even in mild cases, until complete recovery, to ensure the absence of symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
Prevention:
As mentioned, an anaphylactic reaction is a severe and rapid response that may occur in a location where immediate and optimal help cannot be provided. The unexpected nature of the reaction requires significant efforts to prevent it:
1. Avoidance of any food to which there is known sensitivity, including products containing that food.
2. Careful checking of labels and ingredient lists on products and avoiding unmarked foods.
3. Always carry an automatic adrenaline injector and renew the prescription when it expires.
4. Children over the age of 12 should be instructed on the self-use of the injector. For younger ages, parents' familiarity and the physician's recommendation should be considered.
5. Educate staff at kindergartens and schools on recognizing signs of anaphylactic reactions and using the adrenaline injector in emergencies.
6. Regular follow-up with an allergy specialist to develop an individual emergency action plan and practice using the adrenaline injector.
7. Wearing a medical alert bracelet indicating specific allergens is recommended.
Remember, adhering to these principles can save lives!