Anaphylactic Shock Recovery

It is unknown why some people have anaphylactic shock while others don't. Those with allergies and brittle asthma are inclined to have periods of shock. Eating nuts, peanuts, eggs, mammalian milk, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish can also cause anaphylactic shock. Even eating a small portion of a certain food can send you into an episode. Venom from stings can also set it off as can medical items such as latex, muscle relaxants, antibiotics, x-rays and injectable medications including anaesthetic agents.

Things You'll Need

• Anapen or Epipen

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Stopping all blood transfusions and medication administration will be the first thing your doctor will do in a hospital setting. If the doctor keeps on administrating blood and medications, it may hinder rather than help. The blood and medication will increase the population of certain white blood cells.

• 2

  Inject or inhale Epinephrine (adrenaline) via needle or inhaler as administered by your doctor. Adrenaline will raise your blood pressure, help with breathing problems and stop swelling. Once the adrenaline has been injected, you will usually recover very quickly from the shock.

• 3

  Take an antihistamine if you have anaphylactic shock without breathing difficulties. Antihistamines will reduce swelling and reverse a mild bout of anaphylactic shock. Symptoms should wane over the course of 30 minutes. If this does not occur then adrenaline may be administered.

• 4

  Take corticosteroids, oxygen and intravenous fluid therapy by your doctor's request. This may be necessary if you are still not responding to previous attempts of stabilization. This measure will only be used if you are still in shock after the adrenaline wears off.

• 5

  Maintain a cool body temperature after treatment. Do not over exert yourself or take a hot bath or shower or drink alcohol for up to 12 hours after the shock symptoms occurred. Warm temperatures can increase circulation and lead to more serious allergy responses.

• 6

  Visit your hospital later and become familiar with the staff and let them know of your condition. In some cases of anaphylactic shock, a delayed response, called a biphasic reaction may happen. This reaction can occur from 8 to 12 hours after the initial shock.

• 7

  Carry an Epipen or Anapen with you to use in case you go into shock. It is a small pen-shaped device that contains epinephrine or adrenaline. You can inject yourself to help the symptoms of the reaction. Be sure to guard yourself against the symptoms because while it is true that people die of anaphylactic shock, it is also true that they die from failing to use their Epipen or Anapen when needed.

• 8

  Wear a medical alert bracelet and let others know about your condition. If you go into shock, you will not be able to help yourself. A medical bracelet can inform people around you or an ambulance crew of your condition and help them know how to treat it best.