What Is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a serious condition that starts quickly and affects the entire body. It has various causes that trigger a release of allergy-mediating substances.
The state of anaphylaxis requires immediate and correct treatment, as it can cause the death of the person suffering from it. Therefore, in this article we will explain everything you need to know about anaphylaxis, its causes and treatment.
What is anaphylaxis?
There is no specific definition for this clinical entity, but in an article in the Navarra Health Review it is said that it is a clinical syndrome that carries potential life-threatening risk. It is characterized by a rapid onset and its manifestations develop in a large number of organs at the same time.
This high-risk condition appears because the person has come into contact with an allergic substance, producing an immediate response. The technical name for this process is immediate or type I hypersensitivity .
Type I hypersensitivity
Allergens are harmless substances under normal conditions and for the majority of the population. However, in a small proportion of people they can cause allergies and even anaphylaxis.
No symptoms develop on the first contact with the allergen, as the substance has not yet been recognized. The defense cells of the skin and mucous membranes that break down the allergen present it to T lymphocytes.
T lymphocytes are also defense cells, but they must be converted to perform their function. When the allergen is taught, these T cells change to their TH2 form. They will activate B cells, which are producers of immunoglobulins.
Immunoglobulins E enter the blood and stay in the membrane of a cell called a mast cell . When the person comes into contact with the allergen again, the substance will bind directly to the immunoglobulin and activate the mast cell.
The mast cell contains in its interior different substances that are behind the symptoms of anaphylaxis. The most important and known is histamine.
What allergens can trigger this response?
There are various substances that can cause the formation of immunoglobulin E. However, the most common cause of anaphylaxis is drugs. Other elements that can trigger this severe response include the following:
- Food
- Insects
- Latex
- Exercise
Anaphylactoid reactions
There is a clinical picture that is indistinguishable from anaphylactic reaction, but has a different mechanism of action. This picture is the anaphylactoid reaction.
This process is not mediated by immunoglobulin E. It is not an allergic or immune reaction, since there are no immunoglobulins involved.
A classic example of anaphylactoid reactions are those that result from contrast substances that are put in before having an imaging test. Therefore, if you have any symptoms such as skin lesions, edema or itching after the injection of the contrast, you should contact the doctor who has performed the test immediately.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis
Symptoms begin 15 minutes after being in contact with the allergen. Therefore, we see that it has an immediate beginning.
The heart begins to beat rapidly and blood pressure drops, which can cause fainting. There are also very itchy red skin lesions, coughing, runny nose, sneezing, and swelling of the tissue under the skin.
The digestive system is not exempt, with vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. On the other hand, the person with respiratory distress due to the closure of the airways increases the risk of death exponentially.
Anaphylactic reactions evolve very quickly and in a few minutes. The patient may enter cardiorespiratory arrest, accompanied by seizures and loss of consciousness.
Treatment of anaphylaxis
If you present any of these symptoms, and above all you cannot breathe, you should go quickly to an emergency service to be administered adrenaline. Antihistamines are also given intravenously until symptoms disappear. If the respiratory condition is severe and the airways are closed, proceed to intubate to administer oxygen.
Knowing that you have an allergy and can be in contact with it, ask your doctor what preventive measures to take. There is no time to lose in these contexts, and speed defines the evolution of cases.
