In children's practice, there are many different emergency conditions that require emergency care. Delay in the provision of therapy can lead to the most serious consequences and even death of the child.
What it is?
A pronounced decrease in systemic blood pressure and loss of consciousness when exposed to allergic causes is called anaphylactic shock. It is impossible to predict the onset of this dangerous state - every person throughout his life has a risk of its onset.
Causes
The development of anaphylactic shock is caused by the ingestion of various allergens into the child's body. But not all allergenic substances can cause such a reaction - a special predisposition and hypersensitivity to a specific allergen is also needed.
How to provide emergency assistance for anaphylactic shock can be found in the following video.
There is currently no unified theory that would explain the development of a pronounced drop in pressure and impaired consciousness during the action of an allergenic substance. Scientists believe that anaphylactic shock can be triggered by disturbances in the functioning of the immune system with high sensitivity to a particular allergen.
The most common reasons that can cause the development of this dangerous condition in babies are:
Traumatic damage to the skin as a result of bites of various insects and animals. The most common danger are: bees, bumblebees, wasps, mosquitoes, snakes, lizards. When swimming in the sea, contact with jellyfish can cause anaphylaxis. When a child touches a marine life, a burn on the skin often occurs, which can cause the development of anaphylaxis.
Use of medicines. The method of administration of drugs does not matter. Most often, anaphylaxis occurs with new drugs that have not been previously prescribed to the child. In the presence of cross-allergy, the baby may develop intolerance to certain components of medicinal preparations. If a similar substance enters the body, anaphylaxis may develop.
Chemical burn from plants. Leaking juice, which contains a huge amount of various biologically active substances in high concentration, can provoke shock. When in contact with the delicate skin of a child, they quickly penetrate the dermis and can cause anaphylaxis.
Allergenic food. Most often, babies develop anaphylaxis for nuts, chocolate, citrus fruits and seafood. Also, tropical fruits can lead to the development of a dangerous condition.
Detergents and household chemicals. Perfume additives included in such products contribute to the development of anaphylaxis in babies.
New clothes and shoes made from poor quality materials. Brightly colored products pose the greatest danger. In their manufacture, unscrupulous manufacturers use poor quality dyes.
Vaccination. All vaccines and immunobiological preparations are sufficiently allergenic and reactogens. In children's practice, there are many cases when the vaccination caused anaphylactic shock in the baby. Taking this into account, vaccination should be carried out only in a special equipped room. It contains a kit or first aid kit to provide the necessary assistance in an emergency.
How does it arise?
When an allergenic substance enters the body, a violent allergic reaction develops. A few minutes are enough to start. In response to the ingestion of a foreign biological agent, the cells of the immune system are activated. They begin to produce a huge amount of biologically active substances.
These components cause a strong narrowing of the blood vessels, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in pressure and impaired consciousness. This reaction is primarily protective. The body is trying to limit the systemic spread of the allergen through the bloodstream. However, with a strong sensitivity to an allergenic substance, a critical condition may develop.
During an allergic systemic response, the body produces a huge amount of a specific protein - immunoglobulin E. The higher its content in the body, the more vividly and rapidly the symptoms will increase.
In newborns, adverse shock symptoms develop rapidly. This condition is very dangerous and requires immediate hospitalization of the baby in a hospital.
Symptoms
Signs of anaphylactic shock develop rapidly and appear quite clearly. Usually, after a few minutes, the baby has a strong violation of overall well-being. You can also recognize anaphylactic shock at home.
This critical condition is characterized by the following symptoms:
Great weakness or complete loss of consciousness. The manifestation of this symptom depends on the initial state of the child and the level of his individual susceptibility to the allergen.
Dizziness. The child's gait is disturbed. In some cases, the baby is not even able to take a few steps. Being in a horizontal position slightly reduces dizziness.
Drop in blood pressure. The measurement results are significantly below the norm. In some critical situations, blood pressure can drop to almost 60/40 mm. rt. Art. and even lower.
Severe pallor of the skin. The nasolabial triangle can be bright blue.
Hands and feet cold to the touch.
Very weak pulsation in the peripheral arteries when trying to measure the pulse. It is practically not felt or is determined with difficulty. The first stage of anaphylactic shock is characterized by an increase in heart rate. A decrease in this indicator is an unfavorable sign.
Swelling of the face and eyes. May not occur in all cases. This is the most characteristic symptom for Quincke's edema. This symptom may precede the development of anaphylaxis.
Treatment
When the first signs of a critical condition are detected, the baby needs to start therapy immediately. Untimely treatment can lead to the appearance of dangerous complications in the child, cardiopulmonary failure, and in especially severe cases - even to the development of a coma.
If the baby has had contact with an allergen, and there are signs of anaphylaxis, there should be no delay. First of all, immediately call an ambulance. and be sure to tell the dispatcher that the child has signs of anaphylaxis. But you need to start saving the child even before the doctor arrives.
First aid
In order to prevent the development of dangerous consequences of an allergic critical condition, use the following algorithm of actions:
Lay the baby horizontally and raise the legs. This position will help to improve blood circulation in the vital organs: the heart and brain.
If the child has mouth guards, remove them, as they can cause aspiration during vomiting.
Open doors and windows wide to improve the flow of fresh air into the room.
If your baby is out of breath and is not breathing, start artificial respiration.
Monitor your pulse. If there is no pulsation in the carotid arteries, which are located in the neck, place your hands on your chest and begin to massage the heart.
Urgent care
Treatment for babies with anaphylactic shock is carried out immediately. Emergency treatment begins with an ambulance team. The baby is given humidified oxygen. With a sharp decrease in blood pressure, children undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
In difficult cases, when the heart rhythm is not effective enough or there are signs of vascular insufficiency, adrenaline is used. The dosage of this drug is selected taking into account the baby's age and weight.
To eliminate adverse symptoms, injectable forms of antihistamines are used. To normalize blood pressure and stop an allergic reaction, prednisolone is administered. To stabilize the baby's condition, intensive infusion therapy is carried out with the introduction of a large amount of isotonic solutions or glucose.
The provision of qualified care is carried out in stationary conditions. In case of a critical or serious condition of the baby - in the intensive care unit. If the child is unconscious or in a coma, then he undergoes massive infusion treatment using a whole range of various drugs.
Prevention
In order to reduce the risk of a possible onset of anaphylactic shock in a child, use the following guidelines:
Get your child checked regularly by an allergist. The doctor will prescribe all the necessary tests to help identify possible allergens. If such provoking substances are identified, care should be taken to ensure that they do not enter the child's body. Any contact with an allergen in the future can lead to the development of anaphylaxis.
Plan your baby's diet carefully. All babies with allergic diseases should follow a hypoallergenic diet throughout their lives. Such medical nutrition implies a complete rejection of possible products that can cause exacerbations of the disease.
Strengthen your immune system. Weakened children often react more sharply to allergens entering the body. The correct daily routine, good quality food and active walks in the fresh air will help the immune system work better.
Use repellent creams. Such funds will help protect the child from possible bites of various insects.
When the first signs of anaphylactic shock appear, in no case should you panic!
Only the consistent implementation of first aid measures will help prevent the development of dangerous conditions that can occur with anaphylaxis. A timely emergency treatment will surely save the baby's life.
