How to Treat Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is characterized as a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause respiratory distress, diarrhea, vomiting, fainting, unconsciousness and in severe cases, even death. Since anaphylactic shock is considered a medical emergency, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) classes
• Medic alert bracelet
• Epinephrine
• Antihistamines or oral steroids

1. Treat anaphylactic shock by seeking medical treatment in a hospital or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock, primarily respiratory distress, usually occur within the first few minutes after the suspected allergen is ingested or inhaled. Depending upon the severity of the allergic reaction, and the depth of the anaphylactic shock, you may only have a few minutes to react appropriately and get the help that you need.
2. Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to anyone who may be suffering from anaphylactic shock and cannot breathe properly. Rescue breathing, which is one aspect of CPR, should be delivered by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, alternating with rhythmic abdominal compressions (pressing down on the chest to force air in and out of the lungs). Taking CPR classes is imperative if you know someone who may be vulnerable to anaphylactic shock due to an allergy.
3. Use epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, to treat anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine, when delivered by injection, can help the heart to start beating again almost immediately. Epinephrine also causes bronchial airways to open, allowing the lungs to process oxygen in a normal manner.
4. Receive continuing medical care in a hospital environment for 1 to 2 days to treat anaphylactic shock. This may include administering a combination of antihistamines and oral steroids to allow the body to recover fully from the shock before the patient is released. In addition, allergy tests will usually be performed to determine the allergen that caused the anaphylactic shock to reduce the chances of the condition occurring again.
5. Wear a medic alert bracelet around your wrist or ankle so that emergency medical technicians can quickly identify the allergens that can cause you to go into anaphylactic shock. Your doctor or health care professional should be able to locate a source for medic alert bracelets. You can also use online resources, such as MedicAlert.org, to purchase your bracelet (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Beta blockers, which are prescription medication used to treat irregular heart patterns, may actually aggravate cases of anaphylactic shock, and make treatment more difficult for emergency technicians.