ABCDE: Anaphylaxis, Acute Asthma, & COPD Exacerbation Flashcards
Key symptoms in anaphylaxis?
- A feeling of the throat closing up
- Dyspnoea
- Chest tightness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain (especially if caused by food allergies)
What airway problems may be seen in anaphylaxis?
- Difficulty in breathing and/or swallowing
- Hoarse voice
- Stridor
- Swollen tongue and lips +/- saliva drooling
What breathing problems may be seen in anaphylaxis?
- Dyspnoea and tachypnoea
- Wheeze (widespread)
- Cyanosis
What circulation problems may be seen in anaphylaxis?
- Tachycardia: typically a rapid, weak, thready peripheral pulse
- Hypotension
- Cold, clammy skin with prolonged CRT
What skin and/or mucosal changes may be seen in anaphylaxis?
- Widespread urticarial/erythematous rash
- Generalised pruritus
- Angioedema
- Flushing
The onset and the primarily affected organ system can vary depending on the trigger of anaphylaxis.
Describe onset and primarily affected organ system (i.e. breathing or circulation) for anaphylaxis caused by:
1) Food
2) Medication
3) Insect sting
1) Less rapid onset, breathing problems typically predominate
2) Rapid onset, circulation problems typically predominate
3) Rapid onset, circulation problems typically predominate
What are some common causes of sudden onset SOB?
1) Foreign body aspiration
2) Acute epiglottitis (in a child)
3) Acute exacerbation of asthma or COPD
4) PE
5) Pneumothorax
6) Panic attack
What is oral allergy syndrome?
A type I hypersensitivity reaction initiated by cross-reaction with a non-food allergen, such as pollen or latex, involving plant-based foods only.
Unlike anaphylaxis, it usually only causes oropharyngeal symptoms like itching and a tingling sensation, with or without mild swelling of the lips and tongue.
Symptoms tend to fully resolve within one hour post-contact and rarely develop into anaphylaxis, although it is sometimes possible.
What are some other causes of skin rashes or cutaneous flushing?
1) carcinoid syndrome
2) red neck syndrome (from rapid vancomycin infusion)
3) scombroid food poisoning (from contaminated fish)
4) monosodium glutamate poisoning
Assessment, investigations & management of ‘breathing’ in anaphylaxis?
Assessment: RR, O2, signs of respiratory distress, central cyanosis, trachea position, expansion, auscultation & percussion.
Investigations: ABG, CXR
Management: O2 therapy, can give nebulised salbutamol if wheeze is present (bronchospasm).
Assessment, investigations & management of ‘circulation’ in anaphylaxis?
Assessment: HR & character, BP, temp, CRT, JVP, fluid status, auscultation.
Insert 2x wide bore cannulae.
Investigations: bloods (FBC, U&Es, LFTs, coagulation, CRP, serum tryptase), ECG.
Management: fluid bolus if hypotensive (500ml 0.9% saline over 15 mins), IM adrenaline (1:1000)
What is the 1st line treatment for anaphylaxis?
IM 0.5ml adrenaline 1:1000.
Repeat every 5 minutes.
If no improvement after 2 administrations –> consider IV adrenaline infusion (expert input).
If patient with anaphylaxis has a wheeze, what can be considered?
Nebulised salbutamol +/- nebulised ipratropium bromide (500mcg)
Purpose of ECG in anaphylaxis?
To look for evidence of acute myocardial ischaemia, which may occur secondary to anaphylaxis.
What dose of IM adrenaline is given for an adult with anaphylaxis?
0.50ml of 1:1000 adrenaline
Repeat every 5 mins as necessary
When is a serum mast cell tryptase recommended in anaphylaxis?
1) Where diagnosis is uncertain
2) In children <16 if the cause is thought to be venom-related, drug-related, or idiopathic
Although an elevated serum mast cell tryptase level confirms the diagnosis of anaphylaxis, a normal result does not rule out anaphylaxis.
Dosing of adrenaline in ALS vs anaphylaxis for adults?
ALS –> IV or IO 10ml (1mg) of 1:10,000
Anaphylaxis –> IM 0.5ml (500 micrograms) of 1:1000
Assessment & investigations in ‘disability’ in anaphylaxis?
AVPU
Pupils
Temp
Drug chart review
Glucose & ketones
Once the patient has been stabilised in anaphylaxis, what medication can be offered?
Non-sedating oral antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine) - to treat skin symptoms.
Clinical features of acute asthma?
- Shortness of breath
- Wheeze
- Tachypnoea
- Hypoxia
PEFR in moderate vs severe vs life-threatening asthma exacerbation
Moderate: >50-70% of best or predicted
Severe: 33-50%
Life-threatening: <33%
What defines a near-fatal asthma exacerbation?
Raised PaCO2 and/or requiring mechanical ventilation with raised inflation pressures.