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Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal if not treated quickly. Symptoms include airway narrowing, swelling, itching, and low blood pressure. Adrenaline can be self-administered, but caution must be taken with secondary doses. Common allergens include peanuts, soybeans, dairy, fish, shellfish, and insect stings. The US requires food companies to disclose allergen processing.
Anaphylactic shock is a particularly serious form of allergic reaction, which can be fatal if not treated quickly and adequately. There are many allergens that can lead to this condition, and in some cases even a trace is enough to trigger a complete anaphylaxis. Because of its extremely rapid action, this reaction is responsible for many deaths in the United States and around the world. It is estimated that more than 400 people die each year in the United States from anaphylactic shock caused by insect bites, and more than 125 people die each year from food allergies.
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock are varied, but often include a narrowing of the airways, lightheadedness and fainting, swelling of the neck and face, itching, and low blood pressure. A narrowing of the airways, caused by a narrowing of the walls of the bronchioles, is the most common cause of death in these cases. This often occurs within minutes of contacting the responsible allergen, and unless emergency assistance is at hand or in close proximity, there is little that can be done to restore airflow.
Those who have been diagnosed with severe allergic reactions in the past may carry some form of easily administered epinephrine (adrenaline) with them. The most common brand of self-injectable epinephrine is EpiPen® and is designed to be self-administered. It is highly recommended that anyone with severe allergies carry some form of adrenaline with them at all times. In the United States, these devices require a prescription. Although additional doses of adrenaline may occasionally be required to fully counteract the effects of the allergen, care should be taken that the secondary dose is not injected too soon, as this can cause an increased heart rate which can pose health risks.
Some of the most severe cases of anaphylactic shock result from very common allergens in the modern environment, such as peanuts and soybeans. Great care must be taken by those with a high sensitivity to these allergens to avoid them. In an effort to reduce deaths from anaphylactic shock, the United States is requiring food companies to disclose whether their products are made in a facility that also processes common allergens, as even trace levels could be enough to trigger a reaction. Other allergens commonly responsible for anaphylaxis include the stings of bees, wasps, and some ants; dairy products; fish and shellfish; peanuts; latex; and some medications, such as penicillin.
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