Anaphylactic shock
is a life-threatening reaction to a particular substance you have come in
contact with. The body recognizes what might be harmless to others as a
serious threat, and causes a series of serious reactions to the subject.
In many cases, large
quantities of immunoglobin E are produced, which can cause serious reactions in
the body. One of these reactions is an excessive release of histamine,
which results in muscle contractions and swelling, especially of the throat,
which causes difficulty breathing. People might also experience abdominal
pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure and fainting or
unconsciousness. If the reaction is from a food allergy, visible signs of
swelling and rashes on the skin, lips or tongue may occur.
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Bee stings, food,
drugs and dye injected for certain x-rays are some of the common causes of an
anaphylactic reaction. People who have mild allergies may use
anti-histamines, which will reduce the amount of dangerous histamine in the
body. However, those with severe reactions must get attention immediately.
Individuals who are
prone to severe allergic reactions carry pre-filled adrenaline injectors.
The more common brand name injector is called an EpiPen. Normally in a
dangerous situation, one's body releases adrenaline, which speeds the heart
rate, widens air passages and reverses widening of the blood vessels. If
someone begins to have an anaphylactic reaction, he or she will inject
themselves with the Epipen, sending adrenaline immediately into the body.
Those who have been prescribed a pre-filled adrenaline injector must carry it
with them at all times.
