The Dangers of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis can be deadly if not treated right away. After repeated contacts with an inciting substance or allergen, allergy symptoms would include increased secretion of mucus normally in the nasal region, increased bronchial smooth muscle tone (which can caused shortness of breath or difficulty breathing),  and increased capillary permeability (which can lead to other heart and nervous system problems). These symptoms are the effects of the release of mediators that include histamine, prostaglandin, leukotriene C4, and tryptase.

A more serious form of anaphylaxis involves a problem with the tongue or oropharynx. This means that a possible obstruction of the airway can lead to death. The initial reaction that patients feel is shortness of breath, then eventually difficulty breathing. While this can be treated right away for adults, infants are most likely to succumb to death if left unattended. Children and infants have higher risks of mortality due to anaphylaxis because they cannot normally communicate the symptoms. The elderly have also a higher rate of fatal incidents due to anaphylaxis since they may already have preexisting diseases.

People with cardiovascular diseases have a higher risk of getting severe reactions as well. The loss of vascular muscle tone leads to tachycardia, a heart condition where the heart beats faster making it less efficient. Tachycardia can often lead to complete heart failure.