Anaphylaxis Flashcards
How could you define anaphylaxis?
Multi-systemic allergic reaction characterised by:
- At least one respiratory or cardiovascular feature and
- At least one gastrointestinal or skin feature
Who are some high risk groups for developing anaphylaxis?
- Hx of anaphylaxis
- Multiple food and drug allergy
- Poorly controlled asthma
- Underlying lung disease
- Beta-blockers/ACE inhibitors
- Older age
What are some features of mild-moderate anaphylactic reaction?
- Swelling of lips, face, eyes
- Hives or welts
- Tingling mouth
- Abdominal pain, vomiting (these are signs of anaphylaxis for insect allergy)
What are some features of severe anaphylactic reaction?
- Difficult/noisy breathing
- Swelling of tongue
- Swelling/tightness in throat
- Wheeze or persistent cough
- Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
- Persistent dizziness or collapse
- Pale and floppy (young children)
What are some respiratory symptoms of anaphylaxis?
- Tongue swelling
- Stridor
- Hoarse voice or change in character of the cry
- Subjective feeling of swelling or tightness/tingling in the throat
- Persistent cough
- Wheeze
- Dysphagia
What are some CV symptoms of anaphylaxis?
- Pale and floppy infant
- Palpitations
- Tachycardia
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Cardiac arrest
- Altered consciousness/confusion
What are some GI symptoms of anaphylaxis?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal/pelvic pain
What are some mucocutaneous symptoms of anaphylaxis?
- Generalised pruritus
- Urticaria/ intense erythema
- Conjunctival erythema and tearing
- Flushing
- Angioedema
What are some neurological symptoms of anaphylaxis?
- Headache (usually throbbing)
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Collapse with or without unconsciousness
What types of epipen are there?
EpiPen® (300mcg) is prescribed for children over 20kg and adults. EpiPen Jr® (150mcg) is prescribed for children 10-20kg
What is the community Mx of anaphylaxis?
- Remove allergen if possible
- Lay person flat - do NOT allow them to stand or walk
- If unconscious, place in recovery position
- If breathing is difficult allow them to sit
- Give EpiPen® or EpiPen® Jr adrenaline autoinjector
- Phone ambulance
- Phone family/emergency contact
- Further adrenaline doses may be given if no response after 5 minutes
- Transfer person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation
In the hospital, what is the dose of adrenaline given, where, and how often?
- Intramuscular 0.01mg/kg i.e. 1:1000 (max 0.5mg)
- If unknown weight: <6 = 0.15ml, 6-12 = 0.3ml, >12 = 0.5ml
- Anterior-lateral thigh
- Repeat after 5 minutes if not improving
In the hospital, what measures should be made during the primary survey for anaphylaxis?
- DRS
- Airway:
- partial obstruction: IM Adr, Adr 5ml nebs, high flow O2
- complete obstruction: bag mask, LMA, intubation, surgical arway
- Breathing:
- high flow O2, 1:1000 adrenaline
- Circulation: posture (elevate legs), resusc fluids, ALS
What is the role of injectable promethazine in anaphylaxis?
Injectable promethazine should not be usedin anaphylaxis as it can worsen hypotension and cause muscle necrosis
When should you consider admission for anaphylaxis?
- Greater than one dose of adrenaline
- A fluid bolus required
- Inadequate response to treatment
- Child lives long distance from medical services