A rare, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs in people with an extreme sensitivity to a particular substance (allergen), often insect venom, a food item, or a drug (see allergy). When the allergen enters the bloodstream, massive amounts of histamine and other chemicals are released, causing sudden, severe lowering of blood pressure and constriction of the airways. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, swelling of the tongue and throat, and itchy rash.
Anaphylactic shock requires emergency medical treatment. An injection of
adrenaline may be life-saving. Antihistamine drugs and corticosteroid drugs may also be given.
A dangerous disorder characterised by a severe fall in blood pressure and damage to the body tissues as a result of SEPTICAEMIA. The toxins from the septicaemia cause widespread damage to tissue, provoke clotting in small blood vessels, and seriously disturb the circulation. The kidneys, lungs and heart are particularly affected. The condition occurs most commonly in people who already have a chronic disease such as cancer, CIRRHOSIS of the liver or DIABETES MELLITUS. Septic shock may also develop in patients with immunode?ciency illnesses such as AIDS (see AIDS/HIV). The symptoms are those of septicaemia, coupled with those of SHOCK: cold, cyanotic limbs; fast, thready pulse; and a lowered blood pressure. Septic shock requires urgent treatment with ANTIBIOTICS, intravenous ?uids and oxygen, and may require the use of drugs to maintain blood pressure and cardiac function, arti?cial ventilation and/or renal DIALYSIS.... septic shock
First described in 1978, this disorder is characterised by high fever, diarrhoea, SHOCK and a rash. It is frequently associated with the use of tampons (see TAMPON), but has occasionally been reported in men. The syndrome may also be linked to the use of contraceptives such as the diaphragm, cap and sponge (see under CONTRACEPTION), and skin wounds or infections may also be a cause. The disease is due to a staphylococcal toxin (see STAPHYLOCOCCUS; TOXINS). Treatment consists of supportive measures to combat shock and eradication of the staphylococcus by ANTIBIOTICS. The design of tampons has been improved. Recurrence of the disorder has been reported and women who have had an episode should stop using tampons and vaginal contraceptives.... toxic shock syndrome
A disorder in which the body produces excess INSULIN, which then reduces the amount of glucose in the blood (HYPOGLYCAEMIA). Treatment is with glucose or GLUCAGON. Untreated, the patient goes into a COMA and dies.... insulin shock
an adverse reaction to a sudden unexpected noise (an *acoustic incident). The condition is characterized by symptoms that may include pain, dizziness, tinnitus, anxiety, and depression. It is not usually associated with permanent reduction of hearing, in comparison to noise-induced hearing loss (see deafness).... acoustic shock
a bacterial disease characterized by fever, shock, and multiple organ failure. It is similar to the *toxic shock syndrome caused by staphylococci, but in these cases the infecting organisms are *Streptococcus Type A bacteria. See also necrotizing fasciitis.... streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
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