Anaphylactic shock results from a severe allergic reaction. It causes blood pressure to drop and narrows your airway, making breathing difficult. Without immediate treatment, it is life threatening.
For some people with severe allergies, when they’re exposed to something they’re allergic to, they may experience a potentially life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. As a result, their immune system releases chemicals that flood the body. This can lead to a dangerous condition called anaphylactic shock.
Call 911 if you or someone with you is experiencing anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock is a serious medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or someone with you is experiencing:
If you think you’re experiencing anaphylaxis, seek medical attention immediately. If anaphylaxis has progressed to anaphylactic shock, the symptoms include:
Anaphylaxis results from an overreaction of your immune system to an allergen, or something your body is allergic to. In turn, anaphylaxis can result in anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylactic shock is extremely serious. It can block your airways and prevent you from breathing. It can also stop your heart. This is due to the decrease in blood pressure that prevents the heart from receiving enough oxygen.
This can contribute to potential complications such as:
In some cases, you’ll experience a worsening of preexisting medical conditions.
This is especially true for conditions of the respiratory system. For example, if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may experience a lack of oxygen that can quickly cause irreversible damage to the lungs.
Anaphylactic shock can also permanently worsen symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis.
The sooner you get treatment for anaphylactic shock, the fewer complications you’re likely to experience.
If you’re experiencing severe anaphylaxis, seek emergency care immediately.
If you have an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), use it at the onset of your symptoms. Do not try to take any type of oral medication if you’re having difficulty breathing.
Even if you seem better after you use the EpiPen, you must still get medical attention. There’s a significant risk of the reaction coming back as soon as the medication wears off.
If anaphylactic shock is occurring because of an insect sting, remove the stinger if possible. Use a plastic card, such as a credit card. Press the card against the skin, slide it upward toward the stinger, and flick the card up once underneath it.
Do not squeeze the stinger, as this can release more venom.
If someone appears to be going into anaphylactic shock, call 911 and then do the following:
Get them into a comfortable position and elevate their legs. This keeps blood flowing to the vital organs.
If they have an EpiPen, administer it immediately.
Give them CPR if they aren’t breathing until the emergency medical team arrives.
The first step for treating anaphylactic shock will likely be injecting epinephrine (adrenaline) immediately. This can reduce the severity of the allergic reaction.
At the hospital, you’ll receive more epinephrine intravenously (through an IV). You may also receive glucocorticoids and antihistamines intravenously. These medications help reduce inflammation in the air passages, improving your ability to breathe.
Your doctor may give you beta-agonists such as albuterol to make breathing easier. You may also receive supplemental oxygen to help your body get the oxygen it needs.
Any complications you’ve developed as a result of anaphylactic shock will also be treated.
Anaphylactic shock can be extremely dangerous, even fatal. It’s an immediate medical emergency. Recovery will depend on how quickly you get help.
If you’re at risk of anaphylaxis, work with your doctor to come up with an emergency plan.
Long term, you may be prescribed antihistamines or other allergy medication to reduce the likelihood or severity of future attacks. You should always take the allergy medications prescribed to you by your doctor and consult them before stopping.
Your doctor may suggest carrying an EpiPen in case of a future attack. They may also help you identify what caused the reaction so you can avoid triggers in the future.
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