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the nhs national institute for health and clinical excellence defines anaphylaxis as a severe life-threatening generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction not everyone has allergies and not everyone who has allergies will be susceptible to going into anaphylactic shock also just because someone has an allergic reaction does not mean that they will go on to experience anaphylaxis the reaction may start suddenly within seconds or take minutes or even hours to develop following the contact with the allergen common food triggers include peanuts and tree nuts fish and shellfish citrus fruits eggs and dairy products such as milk or cheese other allergens include venom from stinging or biting insects medicines most commonly antibiotics aspirin or ibuprofen or substances such as latex allergic reactions can manifest in many different ways however anaphylaxis has a few common signs and symptoms one of the most common being breathing difficulties this is because all the small tubes in the lungs which deliver oxygen swell up and consequently the person cannot get enough oxygen to their body if this happens they will be breathing very quickly but each breath will be very shallow anaphylaxis can also cause a drop in the person's blood pressure which may make them faint or even go unconscious this is also the body's response to not receiving enough oxygen this is because fainting normally makes the person fall to the floor which in turn makes it easier for the blood to get back to the head and also puts a bit less strain on the heart and lungs other signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include a rapid heartbeat cold clammy skin confusion or nausea it's worth mentioning that the more serious the reaction the more seriously these signs and symptoms will present
Anaphylaxis Demystified
Defining Anaphylaxis
The NHS Perspective:
The NHS National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence defines anaphylaxis as a "severe, life-threatening, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction."
Varying Susceptibility
Not Allergic, Not Always Anaphylactic:
Not everyone possesses allergies, and having allergies doesn't guarantee susceptibility to anaphylactic shock.
Unpredictable Onset:
Anaphylaxis can initiate suddenly within seconds, over minutes, or even hours after allergen exposure.
Common Allergenic Culprits
Food Triggers:
Common food allergens encompass peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, citrus fruit, eggs, and dairy products like milk and cheese.
Other Allergens:
Additional allergenic sources include venom from insect stings or bites, medications (commonly antibiotics, aspirin, or ibuprofen), and substances like latex.
Anaphylaxis Unveiled
Distinctive Indications:
Anaphylaxis manifests in specific ways, with breathing difficulties being a predominant symptom due to airway constriction.
Breathing Distress:
The condition leads to the narrowing of air passages in the lungs, impeding oxygen intake, resulting in rapid, shallow breathing.
Cardiovascular Impact:
Anaphylaxis can induce a drop in blood pressure, potentially causing fainting or unconsciousness as the body attempts to restore oxygen supply to the brain.
Secondary Symptoms:
Additional signs encompass an accelerated heartbeat, cold, clammy skin, confusion, or nausea. The severity of these symptoms correlates with the intensity of the reaction.
Understanding the gravity of anaphylaxis and its triggers is essential for timely intervention.