Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock, also called anaphylaxis, is a deadly allergic reaction that can result from things like food, bug bites, and even medication. It is important for you to recognize any allergies that you may have and share them with your doctor so that you are not accidentally given drugs that can trigger a potentially fatal reaction.
Your medical chart should contain a list of any medications that give you an allergic reaction. However, if your chart gets switched with another patient’s, or a doctor simply ignores this warning list, you may be given drugs that can seriously hurt you rather than help you.
If you are a victim of medical negligence, resulting in allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, you should contact a Philadelphia pharmaceutical error attorney from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130.
What Causes Anaphylaxis?
Your immune system is trained to recognize and attack harmful things like bacteria and viruses. Sometimes, though, your immune system can develop an overprotective, over-reactive status towards seemingly random things like certain drug ingredients. If you are exposed to a medication that causes your immune system to overreact, it can spread powerful chemicals into your body that result in the symptoms of anaphylactic shock.
Signs of Anaphylactic Shock
Due to the severity of your body’s reaction, you will typically notice signs of a serious allergic reaction within the first few minutes of exposure to the source of your allergy. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock continue:
- Skin problems like hives or itching
- Flushed, pale, or blue-tinged skin
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Loss of consciousness
If anaphylaxis is left untreated, it can result in complete restriction of the airways. This can result in death. If you have suffered from anaphylactic shock due to a negligent doctor, you should consult an attorney immediately.
Contact Us
Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists must pay strict attention to each individual’s medical record and chart so that they can prevent exposure to harmful, allergy-causing drugs or products. If you have been given a medication to which you are allergic, you should fight back. Contact an experienced Philadelphia pharmaceutical error lawyer from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today.