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Anaphylaxis - Medical Negligence Compensation
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Anaphylaxis is a dangerous and possibly life threatening allergic reaction to a foreign substance. Anaphylactic shock tends to occur within seconds to just about five minutes or so of being exposed to whatever you are allergic to. The things a person can be allergic to are numerous and include bee stings, peanut allergies, and shellfish allergies. It is the result of a flood of chemicals your body releases from the immune system to fight off a particular molecule in whatever you are exposed to. Anaphylactic shock results in a closing off of your bronchial tree and a dropping of the blood pressure that can result in a rapid and weak pulse. You can get a rash or can notice nausea and sometimes vomiting. Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment to avoid death. You usually need to call 911 when you have anaphylaxis and get medications immediately that can stop the effects of this condition.
The symptoms of anaphylaxis come on suddenly but can even occur as late as a half hour after exposure. The main symptoms of anaphylactic shock include hives, itching and a skin rash, flushed skin or pale skin, a warm sensation in the body, the feeling of a lump in your throat, a feeling of impending doom, a weak or rapid pulse, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting and wheezing, along with shortness of breath.
You should see the doctor any time you suspect a severe allergic reaction or know you've taken in or been exposed to something that you have had anaphylaxis to in the past. If you have an epinephrine injectable pen or syringe for home use, you should take it as soon as you feel any symptoms. Even if you take the epinephrine injection at home and it helps, you should still be seen in the emergency room.
The causes of anaphylaxis are antibodies that normally defend the body against foreign substances. The body mixes up benign substances with something that is dangerous. It fights against the foreign substance, triggering an allergic reaction. The reaction is severe enough to cause anaphylaxis. Sometimes mild allergic reactions turn into severe allergic reactions the next time around so don't be complacent about these types of reactions.
The most common allergens that can cause anaphylaxis are things like medications (penicillin is a common one), nuts, peanuts, fish, milk, shellfish, eggs, bee stings, yellow jacket stings and stings from hornets and fire ants. Less common causes of anaphylaxis include latex allergies, allergies to medications used in general anesthesia and exercise. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can cause the condition of anaphylaxis. IV contrast can contribute to an anaphylactic reaction.
Anaphylaxis can be triggered by exercise. It depends on the type of exercise and some exercise types do not cause anaphylaxis, while others do. Eating certain foods before exercise can trigger anaphylaxis. Weather conditions during exercise such as the temperature and humidity can be linked to anaphylaxis in some individuals.
In rare cases, you can have idiopathic anaphylaxis in which there is no known cause for the condition, in spite of a careful history and skin testing for allergies.
There are no real blood tests for anaphylaxis. Doctors can do skin testing for allergies to certain substances to see what happens when the allergen is introduced into the system. Doctors can do an extensive history for the presence of anaphylaxis in the past and can ask or check for other allergies. If there is a family history of exercise induced anaphylaxis, you have an increased risk for having the disease as well. You may be asked to keep a food diary to see which foods might be causing the anaphylaxis. Doctors rule out other diseases that might mimic anaphylaxis, including psychological problems and mastocytosis, which is an immune disorder.
The treatment for anaphylaxis includes taking epinephrine by IV or subcutaneously. This blocks some of the responses of anaphylaxis. Oxygen is used to overcome some of the breathing problems associated with anaphylaxis. IV cortisone and IV antihistamines are used to reduce inflammation. Albuterol or other beta agonist helps relieve the breathing problems of anaphylaxis.