Anaphylactic shock is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs as a result of the body’s contact with an allergen. Such a reaction develops very quickly – from a few seconds to several minutes after exposure to the allergen. The main causes of anaphylactic shock can be insect bites, medications, foods (such as nuts, seafood), latex, or other substances to which a person is allergic.
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include a sharp drop in blood pressure, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, dizziness and loss of consciousness. If medical care is not provided in time, this condition can be fatal due to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.
Treatment of anaphylactic shock requires the immediate administration of epinephrine (epinephrine), which allows you to quickly increase blood pressure, improve breathing and prevent the further development of an allergic reaction. After emergency care, the patient must be hospitalized for further observation and treatment. People who are prone to severe allergic reactions are advised to always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and avoid known allergens.