Anaphylaxis

Question 1

What is the definition?

Answer 1

Serious allergic reaction that comes on quickly and can be life threatening

Question 2

What are the main ABCDE affected?

Answer 2

Airways, Breathing, Circulation

Question 3

What changes in the body is it linked to?

Answer 3

Skin and mucosal changes

Question 4

What are the common causes?

Answer 4

Food, medication and insect stings/bites

Question 5

What are the signs and symptoms?

Answer 5

Sudden progression of symptoms
Blocked airway
Breathing problems
Circulation problems
Angioedmea
Stridor
Dyspnoea
Hypotension

Question 6

Management?

Answer 6

Conduct ABCDE assessment
Identify trigger and remove it if possible
Lie flat
Give IM shot with Epi pen (every 5 mins)
Give oxygen (10-15l per min non-rebreath mask)
Consider salbutamol

Question 7

How do you inject a Epi pen?

Answer 7

Hold with dominant hand
Remove yellow cap
Place on outer thigh at 90 degrees
Stab into leg hold for 10 seconds
Take it out and massage area for 10 seconds