How to Tell If Someone is in Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic Shock is a dangerous allergic reaction where the blood leaves the brain and deprives it of oxygen. A person will often have trouble breathing. When a person goes into anaphylactic shock they are having a severe allergic reaction to something. A typical reaction to something a person is allergic to includes itching , red eyes, and wheezing. Anaphylactic shock will cause these things also but on a more severe level.
Ways to Tell
If a person is in anaphylactic shock a person needs to identify the symptoms and the allergen that cause it.
Symptoms
To identify this a person has to be aware of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These symptoms include:
- Itching
- Hives
- Wheezing
When more than one system of the body has a reaction anaphylactic shock begins. A person may be itching, wheezing, and may have a drop in blood pressure. When this shock begins a person will :
- Become confused
- Become weak
- Their skin will become pale in color
- They may become unconscious
- There often is a shortness of breath
If a person does not have trouble breathing there are some other signs of anaphylactic shock to be aware of. They include:
- Unable to speak or speak only two words
- Sitting up with hands on the knees
- Gasping to breathe
- Using the lips to try to breath
- Using the muscles in the neck to try to breathe
Finding the Cause
It is easy to identify if a person is in anaphylactic shock if their allergens are known. For example a person that is allergic to bee strings can tell if they are stung by a bee. Sometimes a person may not be aware of their allergens. People that have had an allergic reaction need to be aware of the symptoms even if there are no known allergens. If a person is not sure what is making them sick they may not known if they have been exposed to it.
A situation a person is in can give them an idea of their allergens. Food allergies often happen when a person is eating. They may not even think they are allergic until the reaction occurs.
Anaphylactic Shock Treatment
Once a person has found what they are allergic to the treatment will vary based on the severity of the reaction. Simple allergic reaction can be treated with medicines such as Benadryl. A person can also learn how to avoid their allergens. If a person has a severe reaction and begins to go into anaphylactic shock they may need something strong to help them such as epinephrine.
Related Video On Anaphylactic Shock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsYtcvrBBfI