Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is described as a rapid systemic allergic reaction that takes place when an individual's body sensitized after they have come in contact with an allergen (Huether & McCance, 2013). Peanuts, insect venoms, shellfish, and medications like penicillin are some of the most common allergens. It is a widespread hypersensitivity reaction that is known as anaphylaxis. The anaphylactic shock causes the body to release large amounts of histamine causing imbalances in many body systems. This imbalances in the body will be evidenced by palpitations, abnormal pulse rates, and unconsciousness. The initial symptoms will develop rapidly and they will reach a peak within 3-30 minutes of exposure to the allergen. It has been indicated that there might be a quiescent period of between 1-8 hours before there is a development of a biphasic response (second reaction). As the allergen IgE degranulates the mast cells, it releases huge amounts of vasoactive and inflammatory cytokines, which trigger an extensive inflammatory and immune response. This response results in the constriction of smooth muscle, including laryngospasms and bronchospasms. The disorder might result in unconsciousness, fall of blood pressure, itching tongue and scalp, breathing difficulty due to the swelling of bronchi, skin flush, vomiting, and abdominal cramping.
Emergency Care Vs Outpatient Treatment
The symptoms of anaphylactic shock will strongly influence the treatment plan selected for the patient. In critically ill patients, there will be a majority of symptoms evident within the body system of the patient. For example, the patient might present with difficulty in breathing when they attempt to breathe. Patients suffering from anaphylactic shock might also present with anxiety and coughs. In case of a critically ill patient, the best way to treat the patient would be to refer them for emergency treatment. This would offer the patient an excellent platform for receiving specialized treatment. However, there is need to ensure that the patient is able to reach the hospital, and this would require they first be given initial treatment for the allergen. When the patient is in the emergency unit they can be closely monitored to determine the progression of their condition. Patients who have minimal symptoms would not require emergency attention and they can give outpatient treatment.
Patient Factors
Age and genetics are two patient factors that have extensive implication on the progression of anaphylactic shock. There are some immune systems components that are inheritable, which increase the risk of an individual suffering from anaphylactic shock (Kim et al., 2014). If an individual possesses the genes they can easily contract the disorder. The process of anaphylactic shock could also be impacted based on the individual's genes. There are some individuals who will present with only mild symptoms and they can easily be treated. This is because the progression of the disorder is slowed down and their body is able to fight off the allergen though at a slower pace. The lack of some genes does not mean that an individual cannot contract the disorder. It just means that they are at a lower risk of contracting the disorder. Age has been shown to be also a factor in the progression of anaphylactic shock. The disorder has been known to progress much faster in older patients than it does to younger patients. This could be attributed to the reduced working of systems within the body of older patients. The immune system of younger patients is over-reactive and this makes it easy for the body to fight off the allergens. However, this overreaction could also lead to the body fighting and injuring other systems in the process resulting in the death of the patient.


References
Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2013). Understanding Pathophysiology. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
Kim, M.-H., Lee, S.-Y., Lee, S.-E., Yang, M.-S., Jung, J.-W., Park, C. M., . . . Kang, H.-R. (2014). Anaphylaxis to iodinated contrast media: clinical characteristics related with development of anaphylactic shock. PLoS ONE, 9(6), e100154.