Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal for the patient. It can occur after eating an allergenic food or an insect bite. In order to prevent it and to take the necessary measures in time, it is important to know how to recognize the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of anaphylactic shock?
Anaphylactic shock is often characterized by nausea or vomiting. The patient also feels itchy or even hives on different parts of the body. Afterwards, the individual can no longer breathe normally. In some situations, heart problems appear with palpitations or a sudden drop in blood pressure. If the seizure is accompanied by a convulsion, the person will be in danger, especially if alone.
Get help immediately
Anaphylactic shock is never a good thing, as the patient can lose consciousness at any time. In some cases, when the allergic reaction is very severe, cardiac arrest may occur. Therefore, immediate intervention is necessary to avoid serious accidents. It is advisable to contact the emergency services directly, confirming that your request is urgent. In the meantime, it is preferable to give an injection of adrenaline or epinephrine. The effect will be seen in less than 5 minutes. Afterwards, if the situation does not improve, you can give another injection after 15 minutes. Regardless of the outcome of the injection, the patient should always be rushed to the hospital.
You have first aid training
This is an advantage because you can save the person without wasting time. The first thing to do is to reassure the person so that he or she does not panic. This could make the situation even worse. Next, you must put the person in the lateral safety position, or PLS, while clearing the airway. You should always be with the person until help arrives. If you notice that the person is in respiratory arrest, you must immediately apply yourself so as not to lose the patient. You will have to resuscitate him. To do this, start with two breaths followed by one breath every 10 seconds. Repeat the procedure until the person is able to breathe again or until help arrives. Depending on the severity of the respiratory arrest, do not hesitate to perform a series of 30 compressions. It should be noted that these actions should only be performed if you have taken first aid training.