Anaphylaxis Flashcards
1
Q
What is anaphylaxis?
A
Rapid, severe, life threatening immune response
2
Q
What are possible causes of anaphylaxis?
A
Foods (nuts, tree nuts, shellfish) Drugs- Antibiotics (penicillin, sulfalosporins, NSAIDs, chemotherapeutic meds) Venom Bite Tetanus toxoid
3
Q
What is another name for anaphylaxis?
A
Type I IgE mediated hypersensitivity rxn
4
Q
How rapidly can anaphylaxis occur?
A
5-20 minutes
5
Q
Why are we so concerned about vasodilation?
A
It causes:
tachycardia
low b/p
shock due to histamine release
6
Q
What does the histamine release do to the lungs?
A
It causes constriction which leads to low O2 levels and wheezing
Tachypnea
7
Q
What are manifestations of anaphylaxis?
A
Bronchoconstriction Vasodilation Inflammation Angioedema Stidor Wheezing Uticaria Wheel flare rash
8
Q
What is one of the best diagnostic tests for anaphylaxis?
A
The patient’s presentation is an excellent tool
