Anaphylaxis/Allergic Reaction

Allergic Reaction

Incidences continue to rise

Most common triggers food, drugs, venom

30% of cases unknown trigger

Milder symptoms i.e localised urticaria (hives)

Anaphylaxis

Severe, life threatening, generalised or systematic hypersensitivity reaction

Rapidly developing life threatening airway, breathing or circulation problems usually associated with skin or mucosal changes

Mucosal tissue - found in respiratory tract/digestive tract

Injection

Ingestion

Absorption (skin contact)

Inhilation

Possible triggers

Pharmaceutical products

Foods

Antibiotics

Vitamins

Venoms

Cosmetics

Plants

Dust and moulds

Animals

Toxins

Vaccines

Typical reaction

For example PT gets stung promotes body to produce antibodies

Mast cells think they are being attacked so produce histamine which gives symptoms

Body goes into fight or flight

Plasma leaks from blood vessels as more permiable

Decreased heart output as vessels dialated

Lungs - Bronchospasm, vasoconstriction

Heart - Decreased output, decreased coronary flow

Blood vessels - Vasodialation, Leakiness

Skin - Pruritus (itching), Urticaria (hives), Oedema (swelling)

Anaphylaxis S&S

Swelling of conjunctiva

Runny nose

Swelling on tongue, lips, throat

CNS

Light headiness

Loss of consciousness

Confusion

Headache

Anxiety

RESPIRATORY

SoB - Dyspnea

Wheezes or stridor

hoarseness

pain swallowing

cough

HEART AND VASCULAR

Fast or slow HR

Low BP

SKIN

Hives

Itchiness

Flushing

GASTROINTESTINAL

Abdominal cramps

Diarrhea

Vomitting

Loss of bladder control

Hypotension

Bronchospasm

Cyanosis

Circulatory collapse

Respiratory collapse

Therapeutic drugs

Oxygen 15 ltr aim for sats 94-98%

Salbutamol (bronchodialator)

Adrenaline (Epipen)