allergy and anaphylaxis

immune system

protects the body from foreign substances

allergic reaction

exaggerated immune response to a substance

more localized: itchy, red, tender

Benadryl

• released histamines and leukotrienes

sensitized

exposed for the first time

the allergy comes on the second exposure because the antigens are created

anaphylaxis

body wide, severe, life threatening

• 2 or more body systems are reacting

• shock

urticaria

hives

• important to take the clothes off the patient to check the whole body for hives

angioedema

swelling mainly in the face, eyes, mouth, lips, airway

• dangerous if in the airway → can obstruct it

  • signs: wheezing, stridor

signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

wheezing, stridor, wheals, vomit, bronchospasm, cough

common allergies

shellfish, peanuts

meds: penicillin, NSAIDs

plants: dust, pollen, mold

chemicals: soap, makeup, latex, dye

insect bites and stings

epinephrine

stimulates the sympathetic nervous system

vasoconstrictor: increases the diastolic

bronchodilator

contraindicated with no anaphylaxis

call medical control is there is heart disease and ACS

dose: 0.3-0.5 mg adults and 0.01 mg/kg peds

IM, syringe or autoinjector