Anaphylaxis – medical revision notes

Anaphylaxis – medical revision notes

What?

A life threatening allergic reaction. It has a rapid onset, with rapid progression of symptoms.

Signs

• Flushing
• Angioedema
• Urticaria
• Shortness of breath
• Wheeze
• Chest tightness
• Respiratory arrest
• Tachycardia
• Bradycardia.

Triggers

• Food products such as peanuts and milk
• Medications such as antibiotics
• Insect stings
• Latex
• Exercise.

Risk Factors

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis
• CVD
• Previous anaphylactic reactions.

Top Tip. ‘Triple A’ = Allergies, Asthma, Atopic dermatitis

Treatment

In adults and children over the age of 12 years.

1. Adrenaline given intramuscularly – Dosage = 0.5ml of 1 in 1000 (500mcg)
2. After 5 minutes if there is no change/response to medication administer another dose of IM adrenaline.
3. Adrenaline injections should be given in to the thighs of the patient.

Why is adrenaline useful in an anaphylactic reaction?

• Prevents and relieves airway obstruction from mucosal oedema
• Powerful inotropic and chronotropic effects relieve hypotension and shock
• Relieves bronchoconstriction.