How to recognize anaphylactic shock?

Anaphylactic shock is the most severe, rapid, and potentially fatal manifestation of a systemic allergic reaction. The condition develops within a few seconds or minutes after contact with an allergen, whether it is an insect sting, medication intake, or food consumption.

Anaphylaxis can be recognized by a sudden and sharp deterioration in well-being, which is accompanied by panic and a sense of impending doom. Key signs include severe breathing difficulty, wheezing, severe swelling of the larynx, tongue, and lips, as well as a sharp drop in blood pressure.

The drop in blood pressure leads to a critical impairment of blood supply to vital organs, causing the person to quickly lose consciousness. Extensive hives-like rashes, paleness, or bluish discoloration of the skin also frequently appear.

At the slightest suspicion of anaphylactic shock developing, adrenaline must be immediately administered to the patient using an auto-injector into the anterolateral surface of the thigh. This is a life-saving action that cannot be replaced by antihistamines or inhalers.

Immediately after administering the medication or simultaneously with it, an emergency medical team must be urgently called. Even if the patient's condition temporarily improves after the adrenaline injection, hospitalization is mandatory for observation and to prevent a possible second wave of the reaction.