How To Treat Anaphylactic Shock

Fact Checked

Overview of Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is the most severe of all allergic responses. A decline in blood pressure departs the brain leaving it starved of oxygen. Regularly, there will also be swelling in the lungs resulting in severe shortness of breath. The combination is lethal. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic response that includes more than one body function. A usual allergic response might cause itching or shortness of breath, but an anaphylactic response will cause several other less frequent symptoms.

Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is mainly an allergic response. To recognize anaphylactic shock, first glance for symptoms of an allergic reaction:

  • Itching.
  • Red, raised, blemished skin (inflammation).
  • out of breath.

Anaphylactic shock occurs when the casualty demonstrates signs of low blood pressure:

  • Confusion.
  • Weak.
  • Pale color.
  • Unconsciousness.
    First Aid for Anaphylactic Shock
    First Aid for Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock regularly has symptoms which includes shortness of breath:

  • Incapable of speaking more than a few words.
  • Sitting directly up or with hands on knees.
  • Wheezing.
  • Clutching lips while trying to breathe.
  • Making use of the neck muscles to acquire breaths.

Recognize the Allergen

It’s easier to recognize anaphylactic shock if there is an identified allergen. For example, those with reactions to bee stings will typically know they’ve been stung. Occasionally, however, there is no recognized allergen and the casualty is merely developing signs of anaphylaxis. Anybody who’s had allergic responses in the past should be conscious of any signs particularly if no allergen has been recognized. If you not sure what it is that actually makes you ill, then you don’t know when you’ve been exposed.

The situation can offer you hints to determine whether this is anaphylaxis. Individuals with food hypersensitivity are more prone to have anaphylaxis whilst eating – even when they don’t believe they’re eating the foodstuff they are allergic to.

Emergency First Aid used in the Treatment of Anaphylactic Shock

If you think that you or someone you are with is suffering an anaphylactic reaction, the following are vital first aid measures. In general, attempt to execute these in the order that they are presented.

  • Call the paramedics instantly.
  • If the casualty has an EpiPen, insert epinephrine right away. The injection is given into the outside thigh and can be directed through light material. Massage the spot to improve absorption of the treatment.
  • Position a conscious individual lying down and raise the feet if possible.
  • Wait with the individual until help gets there.
  • If skilled, start CPR if the individual stops breathing or doesn’t have a pulsation.

Related Video on Anaphylactic Shock

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call Now Button

The information posted on this page is for educational purposes only.
If you need medical advice or help with a diagnosis contact a medical professional

  • All cprclass.ca content is reviewed by a medical professional and / sourced to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

  • We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable websites, academic research institutions and medical articles.

  • If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us through our contact us page.