MDA - allergy/anaphylaxis

what causes allergy/anaphylaxis?

exposure to materials, foods, vaccinations, insect bites, contact with other animals and allergens.

what role does the immune system play in allergy

the IS remembers its first interaction w/ an antigen and knows how to identify when it is sensed in the bloodstream

what are the bodies defensive mechanisms against allergens?

skin, mucous, white blood cells/increase in core body temp, and antibodies in bloodstream

what is an allergic reaction?

an excessive reaction of the immune system

to an antigen and refers to a local reaction of one system in

the body.

what is anaphylaxis?

An allergic reaction that affects at least two systems in the body as a result of an antigen.

histamine

chemical that causes allergy and inflammation responses

what does an increased amount of histamine cause in the respiratory system?

Contracts the bronchi

Secretes excessive amounts of mucus

what does an increased amount of histamine cause in the cardiovascular system?

Dilates blood vessels

Reduces blood pressure

Forces liquid to seep into intercellular spaces

what does an increased amount of histamine cause in the skin?

Hives, a rash and local edemas

what's the allergic process?

1. antigen enters the body

2. body recognizes antigen

3. body releases an excess amount of histamines, white blood cells reach the incursion and attack

4. creates an inflammatory reaction

what are the preliminary and advanced stages of an allergy attack

numbness, itching, skin rash

widespread rash, edemas, itching

signs of allergy in the respiratory system

congestion and a runny nose, difficulty swallowing, inflammation of the tongue, wheezing,

excessive coughing.

signs of allergy in the cardiovascular system

dizziness, fatigue, fainting, chest pains, palpitations, tachycardia.

signs of allergy in the digestive system

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pains.

signs of allergy in the nervous system

headaches, dizziness, blurred vision

what are the dangers of allergy/anaphylaxis (RS and CS)

• Respiratory: The main risk is respiratory problems—a

threat to the airways as a result of edemas that block the

respiratory tract.

• Cardiovascular: Hemodynamic collapse is a result of

excessive dilation of blood vessels.

how do you treat anaphylaxis/allergy

keep seated, provide O2 if needed, use epipen

what is an epipen?

is an automatic injector that contains epinephrine (adrenaline). (yellow for adults green for children, blue side up first)

when do you use an epipen

sudden allergic reaction (skin, respiratory) OR two of the following: irritation, RD, hypotension, digestive symptoms OR sudden drop in blood pressure after exposure

how do you use an epipen?

1. open housing cap

2. remove injector

3. remove blue cap

4. insert injector into their thigh until it clicks and keep it there for 10 seconds

5. remove and massage injection site for 10 seconds

what are the potential side effects of epipens?

• Palpitations

• Nausea and vomiting

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Cold sweat

• Fatigue

• Difficulty in breathing