What is the difference between anaphylaxis and prophylaxis?

Bethel
2 min readApr 14, 2023

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Basic understanding of anaphylaxis and prophylaxis

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Introduction

The key difference between anaphylaxis and prophylaxis is that anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that occurs within seconds or minutes post-exposure to an allergen, while prophylaxis is a medical term that describes the treatment procedures to prevent a disease or a medical condition from occurring

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, generalized or systemic rapid-onset hypersensitivity reaction . Anaphylactic shock is a severe rapidly progressing anaphylactic reaction (anaphylaxis) resulting in a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

The most frequent causes of anaphylaxis are Allergic: Inhaled allergens, for instance, animal dander. Latex,Dialysis membranes sterilized with ethylene oxide,Vaccines,Disinfectants from the biguanide group. The symptoms of anaphylaxis include low blood pressure, weak and rapid pulse, skin reactions such as pale, flushed, itching skin, constriction of the airways, swollen tongue or throat, nausea, and dizziness. Immediate medication in an emergency room is necessary to reduce the risk of death. Injection of epinephrine with intensive care treatment is a treatment option available for this condition.

The risk factors for anaphylaxis include previous anaphylaxis, allergies and asthma, and other abnormalities like heart diseases and mastocytosis. The most reliable preventive option available is to identify body allergies and stay away from such substances.

Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis is a medical term that describes the treatment procedures to prevent a disease or a condition related to the body from occurring. These treatments include surgeries, vaccines, birth controls, etc. For example, a hepatitis vaccine will prevent an individual from getting hepatitis. Hence, the hepatitis vaccine becomes a prophylactic treatment option. Prophylaxis is a positive aspect of the healthcare management system. It is always important to prevent a disease than treat the disease since it is easier, less painful, and less expensive.

Prophylaxis care includes different types: primary prophylaxis, secondary prophylaxis, tertiary prophylaxis, and quaternary prophylaxis.

In conclusion,Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that occurs within seconds or minutes post-exposure to an allergen. Prophylaxis is a medical term that describes the treatment procedures to prevent a disease or a condition related to the body from occurring. Prophylaxis creates a positive impact on healthcare management systems. Anaphylaxis causes life-threatening situations, while prophylaxis prevents diseases and unwanted conditions of the body from occurring. So, this summarizes the difference between anaphylaxis and prophylaxis

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Bethel

Bethel is a foreign medical intern @2nd affliated hospital haikou city, china, a writer for healthcare, community service for well being, health education etc