National Nursing Review : Nursing Study Resources & Health Tips

Anaphylactic shock is a shock associated with a reaction of the organism against a particular antigen. This is therefore an immunological reaction antigen-antibody (IgE) and not a nonspecific histamine release by the action of a molecule on the membrane causes mast cell degranulation her. For example, atracurium (curare) has the distinction of being histamine particularly when it is injected quickly, it is not an anaphylactic reaction, but a non-specific histamine release in this case. However, there is a molecule that can trigger a true anaphylactic reaction.
Anaphylactic shock is an emergency
The allergens most frequently implicated are the products of iodinated contrast, quaternary ammonium compounds (curare), the beta-lactams, the wasp venom, latex, sulfites …
Anaphylactic shock is classified into four grades, depending on the size of the reaction:

Grade I : Observe mainly skin reactions with swelling, hives without marked haemodynamic compromise, sometimes preceded by premonitory symptoms such itching, burning

Grade II: In addition to a fall in blood pressure accompanied by tachycardia reaction, the patient begins to experience difficulty breathing, coughing

Grade III: The patient shows signs of previous grades with a respiratory distress, bronchospame from laryngospasm, arrhythmias and conduction

Grade IV: cardio-circulatory arrest (more…)