Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis

• More than 50 million Americans experience an allergic reaction each year, which can involve acute airway obstruction and cardiovascular collapse. • An allergic reaction is an exaggerated immune response to a substance, while anaphylaxis is an extreme, systemic, and life-threatening reaction involving two or more body systems. • The immune system protects the body from foreign substances and organisms through cellular and humoral immunity. • Cellular immunity involves specialized white blood cells (T-cells) that attack and destroy invaders, while humoral immunity involves B-cell lymphocytes that produce antibodies. • Any substance can trigger an allergic reaction, but common allergens include insect bites, food, latex, gloves, and certain medications. • Allergens can enter the body through the skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract and are usually harmless. • When a foreign substance invades the body, it triggers a series of responses, including the primary response, which involves white blood cells recording the features of the substance and designing antibodies to match it. • The body develops sensitivity through the primary response and recognizes the foreign substance the next time it is encountered. • Anaphylactic reactions occur when the body begins to attack the foreign substance, causing a systemic effect. • Vaccines can produce immunity against potential diseases by producing antibodies in response to the vaccine, allowing the body to neutralize the disease in the future. • There are two types of immunity: acquired immunity, which is achieved through vaccination, and natural immunity, which occurs when the body experiences the full immune response without the effects of the disease. • Anaphylaxis symptoms can include skin reactions, such as warmth, flushing, and itching, as well as respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, tightness in the throat and chest, and cardiovascular symptoms, such as decreased cardiac output and hypotension. • The route of exposure to the allergen and the time between exposures are major factors associated with anaphylaxis. • Mass cells release chemical mediators, such as histamine and leukotrienes, which cause blood vessels to dilate and lead to anaphylaxis. • Anaphylaxis can affect two or more body systems, and there are three types of shock: cardiogenic, hypovolemic, and neurogenic. • Assessment, problem identification, and intervention within seconds of an anaphylactic reaction are crucial. • The suspicion for anaphylaxis must be high if any other pertinent system symptoms are present. • Response to antigens may occur in a multi-step manner, with an immediate acute response followed by a later delayed response. • Anaphylaxis symptoms can continue over time, from 5 to 72 hours, and may recur after an initial reaction appears to resolve. • Patients who experience an allergic reaction should be encouraged to seek medical attention to minimize the effects of a delayed reaction. • The definitive treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine, which should be administered promptly and closely monitored. • Insect stings account for approximately 90-100 deaths each year in the US, and symptoms can include sudden pain, swelling, localized heat, widespread urticaria, and redness. • Removing the stinger, washing the area with soap and water, and applying ice or cold packs can help manage insect stings.