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Idiopathic refers to any disease that is incurred due of unknown cause and its origin is unknown. The disease is uncertain of its cause and causes most veteran doctor scratching their heads. Anaphylaxis is no exception. Anaphylaxis is the most crucial form of severe allergic reaction on the body which can be so severe that if emergency medical treatment is not provided then it could be life threatening. The victim of anaphylaxis can be of any age,sex,race and stature. It is not surprising that the victim may die if the victim is not treated immediately. Like every allergic reactions which occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally in the response of a substance or food that is incorrectly perceived in the body. After this the chemicals such as histamine are released and several symptoms tend to appear on the spot. Anaphylaxis progresses rapidly and acts suddenly. After the doctor analyses the allergy and if he fails to identify what is causing that allergy then only the term idiopathic anaphylaxis is generated. The allergy is specially marked by swelling, dilated blood vessels and low blood pressure and further more in some cases, the patient may go to shock also. If the attacks are not showing signs of stoppage then a few weeks of oral steroid treatment is advised and this treatment helps to lessen the increasing reactivity but this treatment may take a year or more than a year in some cases. After the diagnosis is done then the patient may be supplied with adrenaline like Jext and epipen. These adrenaline is injected to the patient and procedures are provided for the patient for safely use.
What causes Anaphylaxis?
It is highly accepted that food is the general cause of anaphylaxis but there may be different triggering factors as well such as the venoms from insect bites and other medications as well. Under food, the most common triggering factors are shellfish, dairy products and egg whites. It is also proven that if the victim is a young adult or children under 7 years then the cause of anaphylaxis is food or stings from insects and if the victim is older adult then it is generally caused by medications he/she is taking. Other triggering factors such as temperature and exercise may also come under it. But in most cases if the triggering factor is unknown then it is termed as idiopathic anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is diagnosed mainly due its strange symptoms and if a person has history of some allergy then the patient may encounter anaphylaxis in the near future. Proper diagnosis is advised for those patients immediately.
Common Signs and symptoms of Idiopathic Anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction and it generally shows the common symptoms over minutes or few hours. The most affected areas in human body are skin and respiratory. The symptoms include swelling, loss of consciousness, headache and respiratory problems such as short of breath, cough and sometimes pain with swallowing and hives, itchiness and flushing in the skin is also
major traits. In some cases the patient may encounter in a dramatic fall in blood pressure making them feel very weak and loss their consciousness. This is referred as anaphylactic shock. The patient may even collapse on the floor and fail to get back up. If there is swelling in the throat or mouth of the patient suffering from minor allergies then it may be a sign that the patient may be suffering from anaphylaxis. In severe cases, nausea and sudden abdominal pain is also suffered by the patient. The trigger of the reaction may be internal or external and can be known only via proper diagnosis.
How can it be treated?
The first thing to do is stop panicking. If immediate treatments are processed then the allergic reaction will lessen from getting worse. Anyone can assist those who might be affected by idiopathic anaphylaxis by its possible symptoms and causes. Even if the allergy specialist fails to find the triggering factor on the cause then also the patient should not be out of his/her comfort zone because panicking will worsen the situation even more. Although there are some rapidly effective treatments for idiopathic anaphylaxis that is epinephrine by injection or an EpiPen ( Epinephrine is a type of adrenaline which reverses anaphylactic signs rapidly and it is injected by an automatic injectable shooter) and the doctor will advise the patient to carry it wherever you go and what this will do is that it will ensure the patient is self prepared. The highly effective injectable area in the human body is the upper thigh. This is equally important since allergy specialist are not 100% sure the triggering factor of the victims symptoms and wont conclude its even idiopathic anaphylaxis but an injectable epinephrine or an EpiPen will definitely lessen the allergy. It is highly advised for the patients that if they are feeling nauseated and swelling and having an anaphylactic reaction then they must self inject the epinephrine and rush towards nearest clinic or hospital or if they can reach the hospital they had been diagnosed anaphylaxis then reach the emergency room as quickly as possible. In any case if the patient is under frequent attacks and epinephrine is not working out then the allergy specialist will likely prescribe an oral steroid to control the situation. If anyone happens to be going to anaphylactic shock or about to lose consciousness then you better call for help because CPR may be required immediately and other life saving measures on the spot. If the patient is going into shock then epinephrine and other injectable fluids that pumps the adrenaline which assist in circulation of the heart and entire circulatory system. After the patient is gaining consciousness then steroids and antihistamines are supplied to lessen the symptoms. The patient may also be recommended to wear a safety medical alert bracelet or pendant or carry a card so that if the patient is going under idiopathic shock then others can know what is need to be done and call for help immediately.
It is also advised that the patient should keep a diary and journal of symptoms and doze of epinephrine so that doctors can handle the situation better. These notes can be very helpful for the doctors to find the root of the problem or find a common ground if possible.
How to be prepared for idiopathic anaphylaxis?
You should always be prepared if you are allergic to certain foods or reaction to certain medications or allergic to insect stings. It’s not a big deal to carry an epinephrine injection kit with you just to be in a safe side and in the other hand you can be a life saver if someone is going to an idiopathic shock on your way to somewhere. It is also important to meet your allergy specialist one in a while and how the situation is going.
Idiopathic anaphylaxis is of a rare kind and when the doctors fail to tell the cause of it then the patient will surely be out of his/her comfort zone but the patient may get connected with online support groups on social media sites. Losing hope should not even be in the list of the patient.
Become part of the Spoonies For Life Facebook support group right here.
