Anaphylaxis Flashcards
what triggers anaphylaxis?
allergens
what are allergens that may be seen in a dental practice?
Elastoplast (colophony) in duraphat
latex gloves
penicillin allergy
what are the most common symptoms of anaphylaxis?
airways- tongue, upper airway swellings
breathing-sudden wheezing (out) stridor (in=M.E), NOISY breathing
circulation- low bp, BOUNDING pulse (tacycardia)
what disability may be seen?
AVPCU- alert but sense of impending doom
what may be seen during exposure checks?
flushing
urticaria rash (hives)
angioedema
stomach cramp
nausea
vomiting
how do you manage anaphylaxis ?
abcde approach-treat LT conditions before moving on
999
supine unless breathing problems-raise legs to elevate bp
administer 500micrograms (0.5mg) adrenaline IM
using auto-injector (use half-0.5mg/ml) if they have it
high flow 02
repeat after 5 mins if no change
what is adrenaline?
a vasoconstrictor
what does the body release in response to an allergen?
histamine- causes itchy eyes, runny nose etc
what can be taken for mild allergies?
antihistamines- chlor, cetri
what is an auto-injector?
pre measured injector containing adrenaline- can come in the form of epipen
what happens to the body when severe allergy occurs?
the body goes into shock
A- check airways for?
stridor (ME) on inspiration and wheezing on expiration
b- check breathing for?
inc rr- >30
decreased o2- rapid shallow breaths
c- check circulation for?
drastically decreased bp
bounding pulse- tachycardia
d- check disability for?
alert but impending doom
