User:Mr. Ibrahem/Anaphylaxis
Life-threatening allergic reaction / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.[4][5] It typically causes more than one of the following: an itchy rash, throat or tongue swelling, shortness of breath, vomiting, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure.[1] These symptoms typically come on over minutes to hours.[1]
Anaphylaxis | |
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Other names | Anaphylactoid, anaphylactic shock |
Angioedema of the face such that the boy cannot open his eyes. This reaction was caused by an allergen exposure. | |
Specialty | Allergy and immunology |
Symptoms | Itchy rash, throat swelling, shortness of breath, lightheadedness,[1] |
Usual onset | Over minutes to hours[1] |
Causes | Insect bites, foods, medications[1] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms[2] |
Differential diagnosis | Allergic reaction, angioedema, asthma exacerbation, carcinoid syndrome[2] |
Treatment | Epinephrine, intravenous fluids[1] |
Frequency | 0.05–2%[3] |
Common causes include insect bites and stings, foods, and medications.[1] Other causes include latex exposure and exercise.[1] Additionally, cases may occur without an obvious reason.[1] The mechanism involves the release of mediators from certain types of white blood cells triggered by either immunologic or non-immunologic mechanisms.[6] Diagnosis is based on the presenting symptoms and signs after exposure to a potential allergen.[1]
The primary treatment of anaphylaxis is epinephrine injection into a muscle, intravenous fluids, and positioning the person flat.[1][7] Additional doses of epinephrine may be required.[1] Other measures, such as antihistamines and steroids, are complementary.[1] Carrying an epinephrine autoinjector and identification regarding the condition is recommended in people with a history of anaphylaxis.[1]
Worldwide, 0.05–2% of the population is estimated to experience anaphylaxis at some point in life.[3] Rates appear to be increasing.[3] It occurs most often in young people and females.[7][8] Of people who go to a hospital with anaphylaxis in the United States about 99.7% survive.[9] The term comes from the Ancient Greek: ἀνά, romanized: ana, lit. 'against', and the Ancient Greek: φύλαξις, romanized: phylaxis, lit. 'protection'.[10]