Anaphylactic Shock Is Potentially Life-Threatening And Requires Immediate Medical Assistance

Anaphylactic shock can occur with severe allergic reactions. Most commonly associated with bee stings and peanut allergies, although it can occur as a result of exposure to many different food and environmental allergens, this is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.

Nearly always, the first step to treating anaphylaxis is injection with epinephrine while waiting for medical assistance to arrive. Many people who know that they have a severe allergy carry an Epi-Pen, an epinephrine self-injector. This medication is intended to be used to reverse the symptoms of anaphylactic shock. This injection should be delivered into the thigh as soon as possible after the reaction begins; delayed administration of epinephrine can lead to serious consequences, including death.

Once the patient reaches the hospital for medical assistance, standard treatments include providing oxygen, cardiac monitoring, and IV medications including antihistamines, and corticosteroids. Epinephrine will also be administered if it has not already been given through an Epi-Pen. These life-saving actions must be taken as quickly as possible and are intended to alleviate the major symptoms of anaphylaxis, which include difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, loss of consciousness, and hives or rashes on the skin. Hospital personnel will be expected to assess the level of consciousness and measure pulse rate and blood pressure.

Anaphylactic shock is considered a severe reaction to allergens. Though it can be life-threatening, with prompt and proper treatment patients typically make a full recovery. Treatment of anaphylactic shock includes epinephrine, oxygen assistance, cardiac monitoring, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.

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