An anaphylactic reaction is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to an allergen. When you are allergic to something, such as peanuts, the reaction can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure.
In an anaphylactic reaction, your immune system releases a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock, causing your blood pressure to drop suddenly and your airways to narrow, blocking your ability to breathe.
It is usually the case that anaphylaxis develops suddenly and gets worse very quickly once it has begun.
The symptoms include:
- Having a feeling of light-headedness or faintness
- Breathing difficulties – such as breathing rapidly and shallowly
- A wheeze
- An increase in heart rate
- A feeling of clamminess on the skin
- A feeling of confusion or anxiety
- If you fall unconscious or collapse
The symptoms of allergy may also include an itchy, raised rash; feeling or being sick; swelling or stomach pain.
It is important to understand how to help someone in the instance of an anaphylactic shock and attending Emergency First Aid Training Courses like the ones from tidaltraining.co.uk/emergency-first-aid-training-courses is the best way to do this.
In most cases, someone who is aware they have a severe allergy, will carry an EpiPen. This is a shot of adrenalin that you can administer if you are aware of how to do so. You should also immediately call for an ambulance, even if the individual begins to feel better.
