Anaphylactic shock, emergency.

Anaphylactic shock is an instant allergic reaction, which is based on the formation of antibodies reactans, which, upon contact with the allergen, form biologically active substances (leukotrienes, histamines, prostaglandins). This process forms a general picture of anaphylactic shock, which is caused by a drop in vascular tone, a spasm of smooth muscles of the intestine, bronchi and other organs, an increase in the permeability of certain vessels.

How does anaphylactic shock develop?

Emergency care for shock should be aimed at immediate removal of the allergen, since this disease is one of the most serious allergic reactions, often leading to death. It can be triggered by medicines, food, household chemicals and other components with which the patient daily contacts. However, most often this condition develops due to intravenous or intramuscular administration of medications. It can take only a few minutes from the time the antigen is introduced before the first clinical signs appear and anaphylactic shock develops. Emergency care should be provided immediately, otherwise the patient's brain may experience irreversible changes that will lead to death.

Anaphylactic shock. Clinical picture.

The clinical picture of this condition can have several options. In some cases, cardiovascular disorders predominate (skin flushing, sweating, falling blood pressure, pallor and loss of consciousness) or a CNS disorder (anxiety, fear, headaches, aphasia, hemiplegia, epileptiform seizures). Sometimes the attack of anaphylactic shock is accompanied by respiratory disorders (edema of the larynx or lungs, bronchospasm) or the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, diarrhea). It is accepted to distinguish three degrees of severity of this condition: light, medium and heavy.

How does anaphylactic shock manifest itself?

Emergency care for an attack of anaphylactic shock will directly depend on its manifestation. A typical clinical picture for all patients with anaphylactic shock: general anxiety, fear of death, a state of discomfort, an inexplicable feeling of heat. Patients complain of a headache, a feeling of hot flashes to the head, dizziness, sudden weakness, a sensation of itching in the hands and feet. Often patients experience chest compression, heaviness behind the sternum, difficulty breathing, sometimes the patient, without having time to complain, loses consciousness. Hyperemia of the face and skin can sometimes alternate with cyanosis and pallor, cramping of the limbs, dilated pupils, edema of the lips and eyelids and the mucous membrane of the mouth, a drop in arterial pressure in the unconscious state often indicates that the patient develops anaphylactic shock.

Emergency care for anaphylactic shock

The fight against the first manifestations of shock should begin immediately, and it should primarily be aimed at stopping the ingestion of the allergen, and if the drug has already been introduced, then reduce its absorption. To do this, sometimes, a tourniquet is applied above the injection site and 0.1% adrenaline is applied to it, all these measures contribute to reducing the intake of the allergen into the blood. The patient is given a horizontal position with his head down, lying on his back. Removable dentures are removed, and the front part of the jaw is pushed forward to prevent asphyxiation. It should not be forgotten that first aid for anaphylactic shock involves mandatory call of an ambulance team before the beginning of the treatment. The introduction of antihistamines, hormonal drugs, bronchodilators and adrenomimetics is performed exclusively by an ambulance doctor.

Anaphylactic shock. First aid before the arrival of the medical team.

What can I do before the doctors arrive?

• Stop exposure to the allergen on the patient's body.
• If there is nausea, you should turn the patient's head to one side and make sure that he does not inhale vomit.
• Give the patient a horizontal position, raise your legs above your head.
• Unbutton the tight clothes.
• If the victim does not have breathing, it is necessary to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

What can not be done before the arrival of an ambulance?

• To hesitate with the call of doctors.
• Give the patient water.
• Leave the victim alone.

Anaphylactic shock is an emergency and is easier to prevent than cure. A carefully collected history and timely detection of allergens will avoid an emergency situation, and in some cases save a person's life.