Anaphylaxis refers to a medical condition that occurs when an allergen get re-exposed to the body. The allergen has to have undergone sensitization process such that it causes hypersensitivity thus initiating the release of an amount of histamine that causes vasodilation (Hammer, & McPhee, 2014) . Various causes are responsible for sensitization for example ingestion of, eggs, shellfish or peanuts, and the other causes include reactions to medication and insect venom. The clinical signs of anaphylaxis may comprise of reactions that are non-specific for example abdominal cramps, erythema, anxiety, wheezing, diarrhea, swollen tongue/lips, vomiting, dizziness and pruritus.
Moreover, the reaction can turn severe reactions associated with anaphylactic shock, for instance, edema of the throat, and contraction of the smooth muscle of the bronchus known scientifically as bronchospasms and reduced blood pressure that can cause death. The anaphylactic reactions can be fatal given a mismanaged and excitable immune response. For an anaphylactic shock to occur, there are multisystem progressions that arise due to the actions of histamine and other chemical mediators originating from mast cells and basophils.
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The multisystem physiological events that take place during an anaphylactic shock are initiated once the body gets exposed to an allergen. When the process of sensitization kicks off, the immune response of the body develops large amounts the antibodies specifically the immunoglobulin E (IgE) (Huether & McCance, 2017) . The antibodies bind to the basophils and mast cells due to an immediate immune response that is elicited by a second exposure of the allergen. Once the mast cells have been activated the release of various inflammatory cytokines follow, which then result in an additional release of histaminases alongside provoking vast inflammatory and immune response. The effects of the reactions include vasodilation as well as vascular permeability that leads to edema on tissues, hypotension and peripheral pooling. The events eventually cause inability of the body to distribute oxygen. Additionally, successive impaired cellular metabolism occur.
Whenever a case of anaphylaxis occurs, it takes a very short time because the events are sudden, and due to that factor, it must be handled as an emergency by a medical professional to avoid instances of death. Regarding whether a patient should be admitted as an emergency or treated as an outpatient, all anaphylactic reactions need to be handled as emergencies. Anaphylaxis requires that it is realized immediately and aggressive treatments provided (Huether & McCance, 2017) . The initial step to take during treatment involves protecting the airway, and this would include in some instances giving 100 percent oxygen through intubation.
It becomes necessary to reverse hypovolemia; thus vasopressors, and intravenous fluids are administered to the patient. Airway constriction and vasodilation can be dealt with by administering intramuscular epinephrine. To counter the inflammatory reactions, corticosteroids and both H1 and H2 blockers are utilized. To stop laryngeal and bronchiole spasms, at times the use of inhaled β-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators are ideal (Huether & McCance, 2017). Provided that it is possible to identify the antigen or the toxin that resulted in anaphylaxis, it should be removed, and consequently, it must be avoided by all means in the future. Finally, the individuals predisposed to anaphylaxis need to be always reminded to carry an epipen.
Concerning age as a patient factor, anaphylaxis proves to be more prevalent among the individuals that are over thirty years. For those between the ages of 20 to 39, venom-relate anaphylaxis is commonly prevalent. For the children that are below the age of nine, are most probably to suffer food-related anaphylaxis (Jacobsen & Gratton, 2011). It is paramount for an individual to understand the seriousness of anaphylactic shock; thus they need to take great care. According to gender, females are known to have sensitivity reactions as far as muscle relaxers, aspirin and latex are concerned (Hsieh, 2013) . On the other hand, the males have more subsequent reactions to insect venoms
References
Hammer, G. G. , & McPhee, S. (2014). Pathophysiology of disease: An introduction to clinical medicine . (7th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Hsieh, F. (2013). Disease Management: Anaphylaxis. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/allergy/anaphylaxis/
Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
Jacobsen, R. C., & Gratton, M. C. (2011). A case of unrecognized prehospital anaphylactic shock. Prehospital Emergency Care , 15 (1), 61–66. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
