What happens in the body?

Anaphylaxis occurs when the immune system reacts excessively to a substance that, for most people, would be harmless.

This substance is called an allergen, which can be:

  • Foods (such as peanuts, seafood, milk)

  • Medications

  • Insect stings

  • Latex

Upon contact with the allergen, the body activates immune system cells (mainly mast cells and basophils), releasing inflammatory substances such as histamine.

This large-scale release triggers three main effects:

1. Intense vasodilation

Blood vessels dilate rapidly, causing a drop in blood pressure and this can progress to shock.

2. Increased vascular permeability

Fluid leaves the vessels and goes to the tissues, where swelling appears such as in the lips, eyelids, and throat.

3. Bronchoconstriction

The airways contract and the person may have difficulty breathing.

Why is it so dangerous?

The risk of anaphylaxis lies in its speed.

Symptoms can begin within minutes and rapidly progress to:

  • Severe shortness of breath

  • Drop in blood pressure

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Cardiorespiratory arrest

Without immediate treatment, the outcome can be fatal.

What are the warning signs?

It doesn't always start dramatically. Some initial signs can be subtle:

  • Itching on the skin or urticaria

  • Sensation of heat or tingling

  • Swelling of lips, tongue, or face

  • Tightness in the throat

  • Cough or wheezing

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

  • Dizziness or fainting sensation

An important point is that involvement of more than one system at the same time is a strong indicator of anaphylaxis.

The treatment: time is decisive

First-line treatment is intramuscular epinephrine. It acts quickly:

  • Reverses the drop in blood pressure

  • Reduces swelling

  • Relaxes the airways

Other medications (such as antihistamines and corticosteroids) can be used as support, but do not replace epinephrine.

Where many mistakes happen

Here is a critical point in practice:

  • Underestimating initial symptoms

  • Delaying the use of epinephrine

  • Treating only with antiallergics.

These decisions increase the risk of rapid worsening.

Anaphylaxis is not the time to "wait and see if it improves."

Is there prevention?

Yes, but it depends on correct identification of the trigger.

Patients with a history of anaphylaxis should:

  • Strictly avoid the allergen

  • Carry an epinephrine auto-injector (when indicated)

  • Have a clear action plan

The point that almost no one talks about

Anaphylaxis is not just an intense allergic reaction — it is a failure of immune system regulation with immediate systemic impact. And what determines the outcome is not only the severity of the reaction, but how quickly it is recognized and treated.

In summary

  • It is a severe and systemic allergic reaction

  • It progresses rapidly and can be fatal

  • It affects multiple body systems

  • Epinephrine is the primary treatment

  • Response time saves lives

Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM -GO 39335