Anaphylaxis

Question 1

What is anaphylaxis characterized by?

Answer 1

1) at least 1 resp or CV feature AND

2) at least 1 GIT or skin feature

Question 2

How minutes post exposure to a trigger?

Answer 2

Within 30 minutes

Question 3

Resp features

Answer 3

1) tongue swelling
2) stridor
3) hoarse voice
4) tightness of throat
5) persistent cough
6) wheeze
7) dysphagia

Question 4

CV features

Answer 4

1) pale, floppy infant
2) palpitations
3) tachycardia
4) bradycardia
5) HypoTN
6) cardiac arrest
7) confusion/ altered conscious state

Question 5

GIT features

Answer 5

1) N
2) V
3) D
4) abdo pain

Question 6

Skin/ mucocutaneous

Answer 6

1) generalized itch
2) urticaria/ intense erythema
3) conjunctival erythema/ tearing
4) flushing
5) angioedema
6) neuro features: headache, dizziness, confusion, collapse

Question 7

Acute Mx

Answer 7

1) lie or supine or L lateral position for V. Elevate legs if hypotension
2) IM adrenaline 0.01ml/kg 1/1000 into lateral thigh
Repeat after 5 mins if no improvement
3) call for ambulance
4) fluid bolus if shocked
5) observe for at least 4h +/- admission

Question 8

Other therapies

Answer 8

1) nebulised salbutamol if Pt has resp distress with wheezing or other anti asthma meds
2) antihistamines for symptomatic relief of pruritis (2nd gen preferred)
3) corticosteroids- speak to dr first