Anaphylactic shock

Anaphylaxis is a serious, potentially fatal allergic reaction and medical emergency that is rapid in onset and requires immediate medical attention regardless of use of emergency medication on site. It typically causes more than one of the following: an itchy rash, throat closing due to swelling that can obstruct or stop breathing; severe tongue swelling that can also interfere with or stop breathing; shortness of breath, vomiting, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, and medical shock. These symptoms typically start in minutes to hours and then increase very rapidly to life-threatening levels. Urgent medical treatment is required to prevent serious harm and death, even if the patient has taken other medications in response.

Common causes include allergies to insect bites and stings, allergies to foods, sulfites, medications, general anaesthetic, contrast agents, latex. Other causes can include physical exercise, and cases may also occur in some people due to escalating reactions to simple throat irritation or may also occur without an obvious reason.

The primary treatment of anaphylaxis is epinephrine injection into a muscle, intravenous fluids. Other measures, such as antihistamines and steroids, are complementary. Carrying an epinephrine autoinjector, and identification regarding the condition is recommended in people with a history of anaphylaxis. Getting to a doctor or hospital as soon as possible is absolutely required in all cases, even if it appears to be getting better.