‘Anaphylaxis’ severe allergic reaction Can die within half an hour.

Key Points:

• “Severe allergic reaction” or Anaphylaxis is a symptom that occurs acutely in some “allergy” patients, even though they have not been directly exposed to the allergen. Because the immune system is more sensitive to those substances than normal.
• What makes anaphylaxis more dangerous than normal allergies is that More than one body system has problems at the same time or around the same time. Leads to death in just a few minutes if not treated.
• In addition to avoiding “Allergens” each day Patients need to let those around them know what they are allergic to. What kind of symptoms do you have? And you should always carry emergency medicine with you.

“severe allergic reaction“Or Anaphylaxis (anaphylaxis: according to Siriraj) is a reaction of the body that occurs violently and acutely in a group of patients.”allergy” It occurs when the body is stimulated by allergens. Whether directly or indirectly, because the “immune system” is more sensitive to those substances than normal people. As a result, various organ systems The body has problems and may cause death in just a short time.

Previously in 2012, many people may have seen the news of a 20-year-old woman who died after kissing her boyfriend who had eaten a peanut butter sandwich before meeting her. Even though an ambulance was called, it was not in time. Because she died on the way to the hospital. And back in 2006, there was a similar case of a 15-year-old girl who also had a severe allergic reaction to peanut butter.

• How is a “severe allergic reaction” different from a normal allergic reaction?

General allergic reactions usually affect one system of the body. When stimulated by allergens and the symptoms were not very severe Symptoms can be treated like normal illnesses, such as taking medicine or applying medicine, butsevere allergic reactionAs a result, more than one body system has problems at the same time or close to each other. And it can lead to death within 30 minutes if proper treatment is not received in a timely manner. The allergic reaction occurs within a few minutes to 2 hours after being stimulated.

For symptoms of severe allergic reactions due to abnormal functioning of several systems in the body. and may be expressed simultaneously as follows

1. Skin and mucous membranes such as itching, redness, rash, hives, swollen mouth, swollen face.

2. Respiratory system such as shortness of breath, wheezing, bronchial constriction, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, feeling like something is blocking the throat.

3. Gastrointestinal system such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loose diarrhea.

4. Cardiovascular system such as dizziness, lightheadedness, low blood pressure.

When systems in the body malfunction at the same time, some people experience chest tightness, convulsions, confusion, loss of consciousness, and death from shock or asphyxia due to the larynx and trachea swelling.

Even after receiving treatment from a medical professional Patients and people close to them still need to constantly monitor their symptoms. Because severe allergic reactions may occur again within 8-24 hours, with a chance of recurrence up to 21-43 percent and at least 1 in 3 recurrences from an allergic reaction to the same substance.

• Where does the cause of “allergic reactions” come from and who is at risk?

severe allergic reactionCaused by the stimulation of certain types of white blood cells in the skin, mucosa, and various internal organs. Including inside the blood vessels, the substance “Histamine” is released, causing abnormal symptoms in various parts of the body.

The most common causes are food allergies such as cow’s milk, nuts, seafood, wheat flour, egg whites, followed by drug allergies such as antibiotics, aspirin, anticonvulsants, etc.

It is also caused by an allergic reaction to the venom of certain insects such as bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants. Some people are allergic to rubber gloves or medical equipment made from latex. But there are still some patients who have unexplained allergic reactions.

People who are at risk of being born “Severe allergic conditions” can be divided into 4 main groups:

1. “Infants” because they cannot communicate. You can only observe the symptoms.

2. “Elderly people” who have chronic diseases and need to use various types of medicine for treatment. including allergies to venom from certain insects

3. People with chronic diseases such as asthma and heart disease, which result in more severe allergic reactions than the general population if stimulated by allergens.

4. People who must take certain medicines regularly, such as medicines to lower blood pressure because they act against allergy medicines. causing delays in treatment

• Initial treatment and monitoring of severe allergic reactions

The most necessary thing for those who are “allergy”In addition to avoiding allergens, it is You must tell your close or near people early on. What allergic symptoms do you have? So that other people can avoid increasing the risk to the patient, such as being careful when cooking food. or giving certain types of medicine Including notifying the hospital in time if the patient has a severe allergic reaction.

Especially those with a history of severe allergies. In addition to avoiding allergens You should always carry an emergency medicine kit “Epinephrine” with you. for use in emergencies Including carrying a medicine or food allergy card with you. Including specifying the causes and symptoms of severe allergic reactions. To make it easier to maintain

As for the treatment Once the doctor has taken the history and assessed the symptoms, they will treat the symptoms according to the symptoms, such as epinephrine injections. (Epinephrine) in the thigh muscles provides antihistamines. In some people, bronchodilators and oxygen must be inhaled.

Although current medical technology makes it possible to treatsevere allergic reaction” improved both initial self-treatment Until receiving treatment at the hospital But what many “allergy” patients need to pay more attention to is Letting those around you know and understand that Severe allergic reactions are very different from normal allergies. Because even if you don’t receive direct stimulants, it can cause death as well. Whether it’s pollen that comes from other people’s clothes or food stains that may not be completely washed out They are all dangerous.

Finally, who is “allergy” You should get tested by a doctor to see what substances you are allergic to. Because in addition to avoiding sickness It also prevents death from severe allergic reactions that may follow.

Reference information: NHS, Teen Vogue, Samitivej Hospital, Siriraj Hospital Piyamaharajakarun, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital and Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society