anaphylaxis

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The cause of anaphylaxis and distinguish local anaphylaxis from anaphylactic shock

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Anaphylaxis is caused by a person’s hypersensitivity to an allergen. These allergens can range from dust, animal/insect bites, certain foods to various types of drug reactions. Hypersensitivity has four types of classification, Type 1 being the most severe, with an immediate onset reaction- sometimes as quick as 30 seconds after the person has come in contact with the allergen (Saladin, et al, 2020). The two types of anaphylaxis are local anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock- both are classified as a type 1 reaction. Local anaphylaxis is less severe, but can still produce fever, hives and asthma. People who are easily sensitized to allergens through inhalation or digestion may experience this type of anaphylaxis, but the reaction can be relieved by antihistamines (webpath.med.utah.edu). Anaphylactic shock is much more severe. Antihistamines are not enough to relieve symptoms, although administering epinephrine can. Epinephrine dilates the bronchioles which become constricted by the allergen, this increases cardiac output and restores blood pressure. Sometimes respiratory support and fluid therapy are required after the person receives epinephrine (Saladin, et al, 2020). Anaphylactic shock is widespread and occurs when an allergen is ingested or is introduced to the bloodstream. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include labored breathing, circulatory shock and sometimes even death.

 

According to the Mayo Clinic, even if your child has a mild allergic reaction, they are more likely to be more susceptible and have a more severe reaction in the future. The most common allergens to children are diary, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish and soy. I remember being so grateful that I lived directly next door to a fire station when I started feeding my son solids for the first time. Although he never had an allergic reaction to any foods, introducing potentially allergenic foods caused overwhelming amounts of anxiety for me. It is also recommended to space out the time in which you introduce a new food to a child because an allergic reaction can sometimes be extremely delayed.

What causes the drop in blood pressure during anaphylactic shock? And why/how does epinephrine help? What is the substance that causes a widespread vasodilation in anaphylaxis? What cells secrete this substance? What causes these cells to oversecrete histamine? What is sensitization, and how is it related to an allergic reaction?

 Referance

Saladin, K. Anatomy and Physiology, The Unity of Form and Function. McGraw-Hill Education, New York, NY. (2020).

 

Type 1 Hypersensitivity, (n.d.) https://webpath.med.utah.edu/IMMHTML/IMM101.html