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Peanut Allergy > Symptoms and Signs
> Anaphylaxis and Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylaxis and Anaphylactic Shock
In this Article:
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is the term given to any rather severe allergic reaction. In peanut allergy, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening when the symptoms include:
Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is the most severe and serious form of anaphylaxis. It is an urgent medical emergency requiring immediate medical treatment, chiefly because:
Left untreated, anaphylactic shock can prove fatal just ten minutes following exposure, but prompt and effective medical care can save the patient’s life. Usually, a shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) is administered, which constricts the blood vessels, slows or stops the tissue from swelling, and allows the airways to expand.
Epinephrine is the only known and proven treatment for severe anaphylaxis.
Biphasic Reactions in Anaphylaxis
As many as 30% of cases in which anaphylaxis occurs from a food allergy can be described as “biphasic”, meaning the allergic symptoms returned without additional exposure to the allergen. This recurrence can happen an hour or as many as eight hours after the initial symptoms have resolved. This biphasic characteristic of food allergies makes peanut allergy especially dangerous.
Anaphylaxis Resources
Anaphylaxis and Anaphylactic Shock
In this Article:
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is the term given to any rather severe allergic reaction. In peanut allergy, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening when the symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Labored breathing
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hives
Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is the most severe and serious form of anaphylaxis. It is an urgent medical emergency requiring immediate medical treatment, chiefly because:
- bronchial tissue in the lungs begin to expand, causing the airways to contract. Breathing turns to wheezing and becomes extremely difficult; soon the person may pass out. Skin, lips and nail beds may turn blue.
- dilating blood vessels leak water into the surrounding tissue, which begins to swell up, particularly in the face and neck. Blood pressure drops as well because of the dilation of those blood vessels, making the person feel dizzy.
Left untreated, anaphylactic shock can prove fatal just ten minutes following exposure, but prompt and effective medical care can save the patient’s life. Usually, a shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) is administered, which constricts the blood vessels, slows or stops the tissue from swelling, and allows the airways to expand.
Epinephrine is the only known and proven treatment for severe anaphylaxis.
Biphasic Reactions in Anaphylaxis
As many as 30% of cases in which anaphylaxis occurs from a food allergy can be described as “biphasic”, meaning the allergic symptoms returned without additional exposure to the allergen. This recurrence can happen an hour or as many as eight hours after the initial symptoms have resolved. This biphasic characteristic of food allergies makes peanut allergy especially dangerous.
Anaphylaxis Resources
Anaphylaxis Resources
