What is Anaphylaxis Shock?

Anaphylaxis shock is a life threatening condition.

It results from a super massive histamine release caused by an allergic reaction.

For most of us, the allergic reaction is limited to the areas of the body that had the exposure to the allergen. For example, an airborne allergen is usually limited to the upper respiratory system.

When anaphylaxis occurs, it is different. It is more serious because the allergic reaction is being experienced by the whole body. What contributes to this problem is the large amount of histamine that is being release.

Anaphylaxis shock can occur when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Histamine can affect the blood flow in two ways:

• Histamine increases the blood flow to the affected areas. This leaves less blood to be pumped around the rest of the body
.
• Histamine makes blood vessels more permeable. This means that leakage occurs. Again, this leaves less blood to be pumped.

The blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Low blood pressure hinders this process. If the blood pressure is not restored, the vital organs will not get enough oxygen. As a result, they will not function and the body goes into shock.

If the oxygen supply is not restored to the vital organs, death occurs.

To prevent this from happening, an injection of epinephrine is needed when you first feel the symptoms of anaphylaxis coming on. Since this condition is ultimately caused by a massive release of histamine, epinephrine helps to counteract what histamine does. Specifically, it helps to counteract the drop in blood pressure. It narrows the blood vessels which increase the pressure.

Those at risk for this kind of an allergic reaction should be carrying epinephrine with them at all times. It should not be considered as the treatment. It should be looked at as buying some time to get to an emergency room. The proper treatment to get you past the danger point can only be done in a medical facility.

The National Library of Medicine provides more good information on anaphylaxis shock.

Return to the Hay Fever page.

Go to the nasal allergy HOME PAGE from anaphylaxis shock.

Back to Top