Anaphylactic shock and anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a phenomenon and symptoms of an acute allergic reaction triggered by the interaction of specific allergens with IgE antibodies. The violent anaphylactic reaction in its most severe systemic form is called anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is characterized by a very dramatic course and threatens our lives.
Pathomechanism of anaphylactic shock Anaphylactic shock is a condition in which blood circulation and respiration have stopped due to a sudden allergic reaction. The cause is the immune system's earlier release of powerful destructive mediators, including histamine, that act on smooth muscle and the vascular system. As a result of the secretion of histamine, the permeability of blood vessel walls throughout the body is increased and there is a strong constriction of the airways. If the allergen is taken orally or by injection, a life-threatening systemic reaction may occur within seconds or minutes. The pathogenic route to this reaction is the least two times the body is in contact with a given allergen, also known as an antigen. After the first contact, the immune system prepares special antibodies that quickly detect and chemically stigmatize the allergen; after the second one triggers an immediate and violent reaction of the antigen - antibody. The result of the disease are the symptoms of anaphylaxis: the already mentioned cardiac arrest and respiration, severe spasm and bronchial edema, impaired function of many other organs important for life. The consequence may even be death.
The classic symptoms of anaphylactic reaction include:
♦ pruritus