Difference Between Anaphylaxis and Anaphylactic Shock

The terms "anaphylaxis" and "anaphylactic shock" are often used to mean the same thing. They both refer to a severe allergic reaction. Shock is when your blood pressure drops so low that your cells (and organs) don't get enough oxygen. Anaphylactic shock is shock that's caused by anaphylaxis.

1. How can you tell the difference between an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis?
2. Are there different levels of anaphylaxis?
3. What is anaphylaxis include 5 symptoms?
4. What is considered an anaphylactic reaction?
5. Can you survive anaphylaxis without treatment?
6. What are two signs of anaphylaxis?
7. What are the 5 most common triggers for anaphylaxis?
8. How do hospitals treat anaphylaxis?
9. What is the most common cause of anaphylaxis?
10. How quickly does anaphylaxis occur?
11. Which foods can cause anaphylaxis?
12. What do you do if you suspect anaphylaxis?

How can you tell the difference between an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis?

The difference between an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis is the latter involves the respiratory and/or cardiovascular system. "People who have an allergic reaction often have skin symptoms, so they might have a rash, they might have some swelling of the face, the lips or the eyes," Ms Said said.

Are there different levels of anaphylaxis?

It can be mild, moderate to severe, or severe. Most cases are mild but any anaphylaxis has the potential to become life-threatening. Anaphylaxis develops rapidly, usually reaching peak severity within 5 to 30 minutes, and may, rarely, last for several days.

What is anaphylaxis include 5 symptoms?

Some symptoms include: Skin rashes and itching and hives. Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing (whistling sound during breathing)

What is considered an anaphylactic reaction?

Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. The most common anaphylactic reactions are to foods, insect stings, medications and latex. If you are allergic to a substance, your immune system overreacts to this allergen by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Can you survive anaphylaxis without treatment?

This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation called anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can be mild, and they may go away on their own (most anaphylactic reactions will require treatment). But it's difficult to predict if or how quickly they will get worse.

What are two signs of anaphylaxis?

Symptoms

• Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Constriction of your airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing.
• A weak and rapid pulse.
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Dizziness or fainting.

What are the 5 most common triggers for anaphylaxis?

Common anaphylaxis triggers include:

• foods – including nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and some fruits.
• medicines – including some antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin.
• insect stings – particularly wasp and bee stings.
• general anaesthetic.

How do hospitals treat anaphylaxis?

In hospital

1. an oxygen mask may be used to help breathing.
2. fluids may be given directly into a vein to help increase blood pressure.
3. additional medicines such as antihistamines and steroids may be used to help relieve symptoms.
4. blood tests may be carried out to confirm anaphylaxis.

What is the most common cause of anaphylaxis?

Common Causes: Food was the most common specified trigger of anaphylaxis. Reactions to peanut made up approximately 45% of food induced anaphylaxis cases, while tree nuts and seeds constituted about 19% and milk caused about 10% of the cases. Other common triggers included drug, blood products and venom.

How quickly does anaphylaxis occur?

Anaphylaxis can occur within minutes – the average is around 20 minutes after exposure to the allergen. Symptoms may be mild at first, but tend to get worse rapidly.

Which foods can cause anaphylaxis?

Food. Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy are the most common food triggers, which cause 90 percent of allergic reactions; however, any food can trigger anaphylaxis.

What do you do if you suspect anaphylaxis?

Do the following immediately:

1. Call 911 or emergency medical help.
2. Use an epinephrine autoinjector, if available, by pressing it into the person's thigh.
3. Make sure the person is lying down and elevate his or her legs.
4. Check the person's pulse and breathing and, if necessary, administer CPR or other first-aid measures.