Environmental Pollutants: A Trigger For Anaphylactic Shock?

Anaphylactic shock is a rare but severe allergic reaction that can be deadly if left untreated. It is caused by a variety of factors, including food allergies, insect bites, certain medications, and environmental pollutants. While pollen and other environmental allergens rarely cause anaphylaxis in humans, they are known to trigger this severe reaction in dogs.

Can environmental pollutants cause anaphylactic shock in dogs?

Anaphylaxis in dogs is a severe, immediate, and often life-threatening reaction to an allergen. It is a type of allergic reaction that can be caused by environmental pollutants and chemicals, among other triggers.

Before anaphylaxis can occur, the dog must have been previously exposed to the allergen. Theoretically, any foreign substance can cause anaphylaxis, but the most common triggers are insect bites or stings (from bees, wasps, and venomous ants), medications, and antigens in vaccines. Food proteins can also be a trigger, although this is very rare.

The most common signs of anaphylaxis occur within seconds to minutes of exposure to the allergen. The major organ affected by anaphylactic shock in dogs is the liver, rather than the lungs, so gastrointestinal signs are the major symptoms. These can include sudden onset of diarrhea, excessive drooling, vomiting, shock, seizures, coma, and death. The dog's gums may be pale, and their limbs may feel cold. The heart rate is generally very fast, but the pulse is weak.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and immediate attention is essential to survival. Treatment involves using medications to reduce the immune response and counteract the symptoms. Epinephrine and corticosteroids such as dexamethasone are commonly used. Intravenous fluids may be needed to maintain blood pressure, and severe cases may require a breathing tube, sedation, and ventilation.

The prognosis for anaphylaxis depends on the severity of the reaction and how quickly it is treated. Mild cases may not require hospitalization, while aggressively treated dogs may still succumb to severe reactions. It is important to note that anaphylactic reactions often worsen with each episode, so the main goal after an initial episode is to prevent further exposure to the offending substance.

What are the symptoms of anaphylactic shock?

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. It happens when the immune system releases a flood of chemicals, causing a drop in blood pressure and a blockage in the airways, which makes it hard to breathe.

• Skin reactions, such as hives, itching, flushed skin, or paleness
• Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Wheezing or coughing
• Runny nose and sneezing
• Tightness in the throat
• Hoarse voice
• Skin that feels cold to the touch
• Blue, grey, or pale skin, lips, or tongue
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Dizziness or fainting
• Light-headedness or confusion
• Increased heart rate
• Abdominal pain
• Feeling of doom or dread

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires treatment with an injection of epinephrine. It is important to act quickly, as the condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.

What are the most common causes of anaphylactic shock?

Anaphylactic shock is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and narrows the airways, making it difficult to breathe. It is important to note that anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. The most common causes of anaphylactic shock include:

• Food allergies, especially nuts, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, fish, eggs, chicken, and soy.
• Insect stings, including bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants.
• Medications, such as antibiotics (particularly penicillin), aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intravenous (IV) contrast used in imaging tests, and cytotoxic agents.
• Latex, commonly found in disposable gloves, syringes, and adhesive tapes.
• Exercise, including aerobic activity such as running or even walking.
• Environmental pollutants and harsh chemicals.

It is worth mentioning that anaphylactic shock can sometimes occur without an identifiable trigger and is referred to as idiopathic anaphylaxis. Additionally, in rare cases, a person may experience a delayed reaction, known as biphasic anaphylaxis, where symptoms recur hours or even days after the initial resolution.

How to treat anaphylactic shock

Anaphylactic shock is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Here are some steps to treat anaphylactic shock:

Recognise the Symptoms

Anaphylactic shock can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen and can be identified by the following symptoms:

• Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Skin reactions such as hives, flushed skin, or paleness
• A sudden feeling of warmth
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Weak and rapid pulse
• Runny nose and sneezing
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Tingling in the hands, feet, mouth, or scalp

Call for Emergency Medical Help

If you or someone around you is experiencing anaphylactic shock, call the emergency services immediately.

Administer an Epinephrine Injection

If an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) is available, use it right away. Inject it into the outer thigh of the person experiencing anaphylactic shock. This can help to reduce the severity of the allergic reaction.

Position the Person Appropriately

Lay the person flat on their back. If they are having trouble breathing, help them sit up to make it easier to breathe. If the person is unconscious, place them on their side and open their airway by lifting their chin.

Elevate the Legs

Place the person in a comfortable position and elevate their legs to maintain blood flow to vital organs.

Remove Insect Stingers

If anaphylactic shock is caused by an insect sting, remove the stinger if it is still present. Use a plastic card and press it against the skin, sliding it upward toward the stinger, then flick the card up once underneath it. Avoid squeezing the stinger to prevent releasing more venom.

Administer CPR if Necessary

If the person is not breathing, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until emergency medical services arrive.

Seek Further Medical Treatment

Even if the symptoms improve after using an EpiPen, it is crucial to seek further medical attention. The reaction may come back once the medication wears off, and there is a risk of biphasic anaphylaxis, where a second wave of symptoms occurs hours or days later.

Hospital Treatment

At the hospital, the person will likely receive additional treatments, including:

• Intravenous (IV) administration of epinephrine (adrenaline), glucocorticoids, and antihistamines to reduce inflammation and improve breathing
• Beta-agonists, such as albuterol, to ease breathing
• Supplemental oxygen to support breathing
• IV medication to strengthen the heart and circulatory system
• Antihistamines and steroids to reduce symptoms once the person is stable

Prevent Future Occurrences

To prevent future anaphylactic shock, it is essential to identify and avoid allergens. Carry an EpiPen at all times, and consider wearing medical alert jewellery to indicate your allergy.

How to prevent anaphylactic shock

Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body's immune system releases a flood of chemicals, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and narrowing of the airways, which can block breathing. To prevent anaphylactic shock, here are some detailed and direct instructions:

• Avoid known triggers: The most important strategy to prevent anaphylaxis is to avoid all known allergens or substances that have caused severe allergic reactions in the past. Common allergens include certain foods (such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat, fish, sesame, and soy), insect stings, medications, and latex.
• Read labels and ask questions: If you have food allergies, carefully read food labels and ingredient lists. When eating out or at a friend's house, don't hesitate to ask detailed questions about ingredients and food preparation methods.
• Introduce new foods slowly: If you or your child has a history of severe allergic reactions, introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts. Consult your doctor before introducing new foods, especially if there is a history of anaphylaxis.
• Be cautious around insects: Take precautions to avoid insect stings. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing that covers most of your body. Avoid wearing perfumes or using scented personal care products, as they can attract insects. Stay calm and move away slowly if you encounter a stinging insect.
• Wear a medical alert ID: Wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet that indicates your allergy to specific substances. This can help bystanders and first responders identify an anaphylactic reaction and ensure you receive appropriate treatment.
• Carry emergency medications: Always carry your prescribed emergency medications, such as an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), with you at all times. Keep your injector up-to-date and easily accessible. Additionally, carry other recommended treatments, such as a chewable antihistamine and a stiff card to remove bee stingers if you are at risk of insect stings.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Educate your family and friends about your allergy, triggers, and how to use your injector. If you have children with allergies, educate them about their allergy, the importance of only accepting food from trusted adults, and the necessity of handwashing before and after eating.
• Seek medical advice: Work with your doctor to develop an emergency treatment plan. Consult a clinical immunology/allergy specialist for advice on preventative management and emergency treatment. They can also help identify your specific triggers through skin tests or blood tests.
• Be cautious with medications: Always inform your healthcare providers about any medication allergies you have and any previous allergic reactions you've experienced. This information is crucial for prescribing safe alternatives or performing drug desensitization if necessary.
• Take extra precautions: Consider taking extra precautions when travelling or eating out to minimize the risk of accidental exposure to allergens. Additionally, if you have multiple food allergies or find it challenging to manage your food allergy, consider consulting a specialized food allergy dietitian for guidance.

Frequently asked questions