What is Anaphylaxis?

It is an extremely serious condition caused by an allergenic agent that activates the immune system, generating an excessive, rapid, and sudden allergic reaction that, if not treated properly and immediately, can be lethal.

When the body is exposed to the substance that causes the allergy, the immune system attacks, producing a series of chemical reactions that cause a significant drop in blood pressure and closure of the airways, causing shock.

Typically, anaphylaxis arises from an allergic reaction to drugs, food, drinks, insect bites, or chemicals; and when it appears, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Signs and symptoms Anaphylaxis

Generally, symptoms appear within a few minutes after the presence of the allergenic agent, although sometimes it can appear after 40 minutes or a few hours, with symptoms such as:

Itch.
Rash.
Diarrhea.
Dizziness.
Loss of consciousness.
Reddish or pale skin color.
High blood pressure.
Breathing problems due to closure of the airways.
Swelling of the face, tongue, and throat.
Weakening and rapid pulse.
Nausea.
Vomit.

If you or a family member or friend experiences a serious allergic reaction, you must go immediately to the ABC Medical Center Emergency Room. Potential risks:

Having had a previous anaphylactic episode.
History of allergies.
Asthma.
Pre-existing heart conditions

Diagnosis and treatment Anaphylaxis

Once the anaphylaxis has been controlled, the doctor will analyze your symptoms and clinical history, in addition to performing a blood test to identify the levels of tryptase after the anaphylactic episode, as well as a thorough examination to detect the allergens to which you are sensitive.

When you are suffering from an anaphylactic event, the immediate treatment is:

Epinephrine shot.
Oxygen administration.
Medications such as antihistamines and intravenous corticosteroids.

Once the allergens that trigger anaphylaxis are known, prevention consists of avoiding them and always carrying an epinephrine auto-injector with you in case of an allergic event.

In the event of a possible anaphylactic shock, remember to go to ABC Medical Center Emergency Room to receive immediate medical attention and save your life or that of your loved ones.

Related centers and departments

Internal medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes

topdoctors.es
msdmanuals.com
mayoclinic.org
medlineplus.gov
healthline.com
medigraphic.com
Hines CKD, Zumbado VR. Anafilaxia en pediatría. Revista Médica Sinergia. 2021;6(02):1-13.
Dávila CE. Reacciones anafilácticas ante agentes anestésicos. Medisur. 2019;17(2):248-253.
Sienra-Monge JJL, Navarrete-Rodríguez EM, Chávez-Flores U, et al. Anafilaxia en niños y adultos: prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Rev CONAMED. 2019;24(3):107-164.
Muro CER, Rodríguez GM, Huerta LJG. Manejo y prevención de la anafilaxia. Alerg Asma Inmunol Pediatr. 2019;28(1):18-25

How can we help you?

The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.

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Comparison of COVID-19 vaccines

Pfizer-
BioNTech

Pfizer-BioNTech

What is its effectiveness and what does it refer to?

Vaccine type: mRNA
Effectiveness: 95% after the second dose in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.

No Does not contain egg, latex, or preservatives.

How many doses are needed?
Two doses are needed, at least 21 days apart (or up to six weeks apart, if necessary).

Who should or shouldn’t get the vaccine?
People who should receive the vaccine are those over 16 years old.
People who should not receive the vaccine are those who have a history of anaphylactic shock (severe allergy) or who are allergic to any component of this vaccine such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate.

What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Pain where the injection was given, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, nausea, malaise, and swollen lymph nodes.

How long will it take for me to be protected and what does it protect me from?
After 14 days of having the complete scheme (after the administration of the 2nd dose), the protection period is still under study. It protects us from serious COVID-19 or requiring hospitalization.

Moderna

What is its effectiveness and what does it refer to?

Vaccine type: mRNA
Effectiveness: 94.5% after the second dose in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.

Does not contain egg, latex, or preservatives.

How many doses are needed?
Two doses are needed, at least 28 days apart (or up to six weeks apart, if necessary).

Who should or shouldn’t get the vaccine?
People who should receive the vaccine are those over 18 years old.
People who should not receive the vaccine are those who have a history of anaphylactic shock (severe allergy) or who are allergic to any component of this vaccine.

What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Pain where the injection was given, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, nausea, and swollen lymph nodes in the arm in which you received the injection.

Janssen/
Johnson
& Johnson

Janssen/ Johnson & Johnson

What is its effectiveness and what does it refer to?

Vector-based vaccine.
Effectiveness: 72.0% in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.
85% in the prevention of severe COVID-19.

Does not contain egg, latex, or preservatives./strong>

How many doses are needed?
Only one dose in needed.

What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Pain where the injection was given, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea.

How long will it take for me to be protected and what does it protect me from?
After 28 days of having the complete scheme (the last dose applied), the protection period is still under study. It protects us from 85% serious COVID-19 or requiring hospitalization.

AstraZeneca
and
Oxford
University

AstraZeneca and Oxford University

What is its effectiveness and what does it refer to?

Adenovirus vector-based vaccine.
Effectiveness: 82% after the second dose in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.

How many doses are needed?
Two doses are needed, at least 56 days apart (or up to 84 days apart, if necessary).

What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Pain where the injection was given, fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, and fever, which were mild to moderate in intensity and disappeared within 48 hours of vaccination.

Sputnik V

What is its effectiveness and what does it refer to?

Adenovirus vector-based vaccine.
Effectiveness: 92% after the second dose in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19.

How many doses are needed?
Two doses are needed, at least 21 days apart (or up to six weeks apart, if necessary).

What is Anaphylaxis?

Signs and symptoms Anaphylaxis

Diagnosis and treatment Anaphylaxis

Related centers and departments

Fuentes

Index

Specialist in Anaphylaxis