Progression of Anaphylactic Shock
An anaphylactic reaction is a hypersensitive, exaggerated, rapidly occurring reaction, that
occurs in response to a previously encountered antigen.
Severe reactions may cause vascular
collapse that results in systemic shock, and potentially death (Huether & McCance, 2017).
Anaphylactic reactions occur after the initial exposure to the antigen has taken place.
Upon the
first exposure to an antigen, the immune system reacts by producing IgE antibodies inside the
lymph nodes and is enhanced by Helper T cells.
Antibodies then bind to membrane receptors
that are located on mast cells within connective tissues.
The next time the individual comes in
contact with the specific antigen, the IgE antibodies recognize the antigen as a foreign substance
and activate a cascade of potent chemical mediators.
Common antigens are found in foods,
insect venom, and sulfites (Huether & McCance, 2017).
The purpose of this discussion is to
explain the physiological progression that occurs in anaphylaxis, describe the severity of cases
that would require transfer to higher level of care, and to explain how age and gender impact
anaphylactic shock.
Referring Patients for Emergency Care
Rapid diagnosis and emergent care is necessary to prevent fatalities in anaphylactic cases
(Reber, Hernandez, & Galli, 2017).
Early onset of anaphylaxis may be nonspecific and manifest
in a variety of ways.
The patient experiencing the initial signs of anaphylaxis may respond
physically with increased weakness, pruritus, sneezing, or sweating.
