What should you know about distributive shock anaphylaxis?

In anaphylaxis, immune chemicals can cause widespread changes in blood vessels and swelling of the airways. Vessel widening and fluid movement out of the bloodstream can lower effective circulation, while airway narrowing can reduce oxygen intake. Skin flushing, hives, swelling, vomiting, wheezing, dizziness, or collapse may occur, and symptoms can progress quickly. A Food Allergy is one possible trigger, but medicines, insect stings, latex, and other exposures can also cause anaphylaxis.

Treat suspected anaphylaxis as an emergency. Use an adrenaline auto-injector if one has been prescribed, following its instructions, and call emergency services immediately. Lay the person flat with legs raised if comfortable; allow them to sit if breathing is difficult, and place an unconscious breathing person on their side. Do not let them stand or walk. A second auto-injector may be needed if symptoms continue and emergency help has not arrived, according to the device instructions.

Call emergency services for sudden breathing difficulty, Wheezing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, confusion, or collapse after a possible allergen. Do this even if symptoms begin to improve after adrenaline. Hospital observation may be needed because symptoms can return. Anyone with suspected anaphylaxis needs urgent medical assessment rather than home monitoring alone.

After emergency care, ask what triggered the reaction, how to use and replace your auto-injector, which symptoms require a second dose, and whether Allergy Testing or a written emergency plan is appropriate.