Health. Anaphylactic shock: what to do in the event of a severe allergic reaction?

On the occasion of World Allergy Week, which will be held at the end of June, the Association for Clinical Research in Allergology and Asthmology (Arcaa) and the French Union of Allergists (Syfal) intend to raise public awareness of anaphylaxis, the most serious and potentially fatal allergic reaction.

This occurs suddenly after exposure to food, medication, an insect bite, or a respiratory allergen. Unlike a mild allergic reaction, anaphylaxis is severe and involves multiple organs.

"In France, 5,000 cases of anaphylaxis are recorded and hospitalized each year, and this figure is constantly increasing. Some patients arrive too late or do not know how to handle the right actions. It is urgent to make this extreme allergic reaction known to as many people as possible – because knowing how to recognize the first signs is already saving a life," explains Dr. Séverine Fernandez, allergist and president of SYFAL.

In total, 10% of the population is affected by severe allergies, and anaphylaxis is estimated to affect 1.5 to 7.9 cases per 100,000 people each year. The number of cases is believed to be significantly underestimated, as it is not included in the International Classification of Diseases.

What are the signs of anaphylaxis?

1 – difficulty breathing, feeling of suffocation;

2 – generalized urticaria, redness, itching;

3 – swelling of the lips or tongue;

4 – discomfort, dizziness, drop in blood pressure;

5 – nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain;

6 – feeling of imminent death.

Two essential actions to take when these signs occur: immediately inject adrenaline using the auto-injector pen prescribed for anyone at risk of anaphylaxis and call for help (15 or 112).

While this allergic reaction mostly occurs in allergy sufferers, who are more familiar with it, experts point out that it can also occur in people who are unaware they have an allergy. This is why they emphasize the need to learn to recognize the signs and know how to react.

"Anaphylaxis can occur in a schoolyard, in a kitchen, in the street, in a public garden... Educating the general public is an absolute priority," recalls Dr. Séverine Fernandez, president of SYFAL.

This is therefore a medical emergency that must be treated immediately. It is especially important not to be afraid to use it because it is the only way to treat anaphylaxis.

Adrenaline accelerates the heart rate, increases blood pressure, relaxes the airways, reduces angioedema, and restarts the heart. It also helps reduce itching and hives.

If the person is unable to inject the dose of adrenaline themselves, then those accompanying them will have to react.

The adrenaline pen should be firmly inserted into the outer side of the thigh at a 90° angle, holding the pen in place for 10 seconds. If there is no improvement after 5 to 10 minutes, a second injection should be given (an emergency kit always consists of two pens).

When to perform cardiac massage?

If the victim is in cardiac arrest (no pulse and no breathing), cardiac massage, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, will be required to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation of the organs before help arrives - 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute, or approximately 2 compressions per second, then 2 breaths using mouth-to-mouth technique.

If the victim is not in cardiac arrest, monitor him until help arrives.

Source: French Red Cross, the Association for Clinical Research in Allergology and Asthmology and the French Union of Allergists