It’s a seemingly normal bee sting. Ouch! That is until your throat starts swelling and you just can’t breathe. In fact, you feel like you’re going to pass out. You’re quickly rushed to the hospital where you learn two shocking details. You are deathly allergic to bees, and you could have gone into anaphylactic shock. As a result, you will have to carry epinephrine with you for the rest of your life.
This story may sound dramatic, but it’s not. The truth is that many people have allergies to simple things like bee stings. And some of these allergies could become life-threatening.
That’s because an allergic reaction can lead to a terrifying reality called anaphylaxis.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.” This reaction can happen within seconds to minutes of encountering an allergen.
So why does this happen?
When anaphylaxis occurs, the immune system releases chemicals to combat the reaction. Consequently, the blood pressure drops. In addition, the airways constrict. And that’s what causes anaphylactic shock.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include airway constriction, shock with a severe drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, and dizziness/lightheadedness or loss of consciousness. Treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine.