Anaphylaxis:
Anaphylaxis is a severe form of allergy that involves multiple body systems including the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and the cardiovascular system among others. It is a life-threatening condition and a medical emergency. An anaphylactic attack might take 20 minutes to two hours to manifest when exposed to allergens (substances that cause allergy). In a condition called an anaphylactic shock, there is difficulty breathing, dizziness, loss of consciousness, swelling on the tongue and the respiratory tract, low blood pressure, and skin turning to blue color. This condition might lead to heart failure and death. It needs immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis might occur due to several allergens including food, insect or snake bite leading to poison, use of certain medications, and other triggering factors some of which might be unknown. This severe allergic reaction might sometimes be caused due to immunological triggers. Typically, people who go into an anaphylactic condition exhibit symptoms like hives, itchiness, flushing, swelling, runny nose, swelling of the eyes and conjunctiva, skin turning blue, wheezing, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, abdominal pain or cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of bladder, and headaches. Symptoms might vary depending upon the organ system affected. People with asthma, eczema, and people having allergies to latex, or certain medications are prone to anaphylaxis. Treatment for anaphylaxis includes airway management through ventilator, giving intravenous fluids, and providing epinephrine (See: Epinephrine) and steroids. Insulin reactions are known to create anaphylaxis in some people with type 1 diabetes. People who are diabetic and have had anaphylaxis are prone to diabetic ketoacidosis.
