Learn about anaphylaxis, its signs, symptoms, and what to do in an emergency. Understand the difference between anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock. Find out how to administer first aid using autoinjectors. Explore First Aid courses offered by ETA Training.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary from person to person but commonly include:

1. Hives: Raised, red, itchy bumps on the skin.
2. Facial Swelling: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat.
3. Respiratory Issues: Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
4. Cardiovascular Effects: Rapid or weak pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and loss of consciousness.
5. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
6. Generalized Effects: Weakness, confusion, light-headedness, and a feeling of warmth.

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Symptoms of anaphylaxis can appear within minutes to hours after exposure to an allergen.

‍Understanding Anaphylactic Shock: The Body's Response

When someone goes into anaphylactic shock, their immune system reacts to an allergen, resulting in various changes within the body. Here's what happens:

1. Allergen Exposure: A person with a severe allergy comes into contact with an allergen such as certain foods, medications, insect stings, or latex. The immune system recognizes it as a threat and releases histamine and other inflammatory substances.
2. Blood Pressure and Heart Response: Histamine and other mediators cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to a drop in blood pressure (hypotension). The heart compensates by beating faster, resulting in a rapid pulse.
3. Respiratory Issues: Airways constrict, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The throat and tongue swelling can further obstruct the airway, potentially leading to life-threatening breathing difficulties.
4. Gastrointestinal Effects: Anaphylactic shock can affect the gastrointestinal system, resulting in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
5. Generalized Symptoms: Inflammatory substances released by the body can cause generalized symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, light-headedness, confusion, and a feeling of impending doom.

Anaphylaxis vs. Anaphylactic Shock: Understanding the Difference

Anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock are related terms used to describe different aspects of a severe allergic reaction, although they are often used interchangeably.

Here's the distinction:

Anaphylaxis: Refers to an extreme and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction triggered by exposure to an allergen. Symptoms include hives, itching, respiratory issues (difficulty breathing, wheezing), low blood pressure, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

‍Anaphylactic Shock: This represents a severe form of anaphylaxis, characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure that can be life-threatening. Anaphylactic shock emphasizes the profound cardiovascular component of the reaction.

‍What to Do in Case of Anaphylaxis

If someone is suffering from anaphylaxis, follow these steps:

1. Follow the DRSABCD plan (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation).
2. Ask the casualty to sit or lie down.
3. Administer an adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen®) if available, following these steps:

 
• Remove the blue safety cap with the orange tip pointing downward.
 
• Form a fist around the EpiPen.
 
• Locate the injection site on the outer thigh.
 
• Push the EpiPen into the thigh until a click is heard, and hold for 3 seconds.
 
• Remove the EpiPen.

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1. Monitor the casualty, and if there is no improvement after 5 minutes, administer a second dose of the adrenaline autoinjector.
2. If there is still no improvement after the second injection, seek immediate medical assistance.
3. If the casualty becomes unresponsive or is not breathing normally, begin CPR and use a defibrillator if available.

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First Aid Courses by ETA Training

ETA Training offers First Aid courses in anaphylaxis and the safe use of autoinjectors. Gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in recognizing and managing anaphylactic emergencies. Learn how to administer first aid using autoinjectors effectively. Visit our website to explore our Anaphylaxis First Aid courses.

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