Anaphylaxis

Question 1

What is anaphylaxis?

Answer 1

An abnormal/hyper reactivity to a normal stimulus

Abnormal or pathological immune reaction that is caused by an immune response usually to repeated exposure to an antigen

Question 2

What Antibidy is released during Anaphylaxis?

Answer 2

IgE - Immunoglobulin E

Question 3

Explian the steps involved in an Anaphylactic Shock reaction?

Answer 3

Alllergen enters the body - bee sting, nuts, food, pollen, medication

IgE is actiavted and is released

IgE binds to mast cells causing cytokines to be released

Cyokines communicate with WBC causing Histamine and Heparin to be released.

Question 4

What effect does Histamine have on the body during anaphylaxis?

Answer 4

Causes blood vessels to dilate reuslting in a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure

Causes Bronchospasm contrubting to closure of airways

Question 5

What effect does Heparin have on the body during anaphylaxis?

Answer 5

Heparin casues the permeability of bloodvessels to chang meaning that fluid can leak out of the vessels causing swelling all over the body.

Swelling can spread to airways contributing to closure of airways.

Question 6

What are some signs and symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

Answer 6

Onset : occurs within 5-10 minutes of exposure to allergen

Skin: redness, raised itchy rash, flushed, swelling

Respiratory: wheezy, difficulty breathing, stridor, normal breathing does not recover without intervention.

Cardiovascular: Tachycardia ( increased HR), sudden Hypotension

Gastro: abdo crmaping, diarrhoea, vomiting

Neurological: Lack of conciousness

Question 7

Why give adrenliane during anaphylaxis?

Answer 7

Constricts blood vessels increasing BP again
Dilates broncioles
Relives swelling in throat
Should be given immediatlely via IM or IV

Question 8

Why would you give IV fluids druing anaphylaxis?

Answer 8

IV fluid will increase the patinets blood volume and therefore blood pressure

Question 9

What are the reccommended amount of IV fluids to be administered during anaphylaxis?

Answer 9

For children: 20ml/kg

For Adults: 500-1000ml

Question 10

Why give antihistamines during anaphylaxis?

Answer 10

Help to reverse vasodilation and bronchospasm

Can inject these via IM or IV

Question 11

Why would you consider administering steroids during anaphylaxis?

Answer 11

some steroids can reduce asthmatic sympotoms and can shorten the time the anaphylactic shock lasts.