What is anaphylactic shock?
Anaphylactic shock is defined as a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction throughout the entire body. It occurs when an allergen, instead of provoking a localized reaction, enters the bloodstream and circulates through the entire body, causing a systemic reaction. (There may also be an intrinsic trigger, as some cases of exercise-induced anaphylaxis have been reported.) The symptoms of anaphylactic shock begin with a rapid heartrate, flushing, swelling of the throat, nausea, coughing, and chest tightness. Severe wheezing (asthma), cramping, and a rapid drop in blood pressure follow, which may lead to cardiac arrest. Hives and vomiting are also common features. The treatment for anaphylaxis is intravenous epinephrine (adrenalin), with antihistamines and steroids also being used in selected cases. Aminophylline may also be given for pronounced asthmatic reactions that do not respond to epinephrine.
