Anaphylaxis

Question 1

What is Anaphylaxis?

Answer 1

Severe, life threatening generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction. Characterised by developing life-threatening airway and/or breathing and/or circulation problems usually associated with skin and mucosal changes.

Question 2

Anaphylaxis incidence?

Answer 2

30% adults, 40% children are affected by allergic reactions.

Anaphylaxis affects 2% of the population.

Question 3

What are the most common triggers of anaphylaxis?

Answer 3

Food, drugs, venom

Question 4

Anaphylaxis is likely when the following criteria are met:

Answer 4

• Sudden onset and rapid progression of symptoms
• Life threatening airway and/or breathing and/or circulation problems
• Skin and/or mucosal changes (flushing, urticaria, angiodema)

Question 5

Anaphylaxis S&S

Answer 5

AIRWAY
-Swelling
-Difficulty breathing & swallowing
-Hoarse voice
-Stridor
BREATHING 
-Bronchospasm
-Tachypnoea/ Dyspnoea
-Wheeze
-Fatigue
-Hypoxia induced confusion
-SpO2 < 92%
-Respiratory arrest
CIRCULATORY PROBLEMS
-Hypotension
-Tachycardia
-Pale and clammy skin
-Dizziness
-Decreased consciousness
-Myocardial ischaemia
-Bradycardia
-Cardiac arrest
OTHER
-Skin, mucosal changes
-Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
-Abdominal pain
-Anxiety

Question 6

Allergic reactions & Anaphylaxis A&M

Answer 6

Consider trigger and remove
ABCDE
-O2 aiming for 94-98%
Correct ABCDE problems
TC transfer with ATMIST

Question 7

Anaphylaxis A&M

Answer 7

Trigger, ABC, O2,TC

• Admin Adrenaline 1:1000 IM
• Consider fluids
• Consider Chlorphenamine
• Consider Hydrocortisone
• Consider Salbutamol

Question 8

Mild/ Moderate allergic reaction A&M

Answer 8

Mild moderate if onset has occurred over minutes to hours with no LT s&s.
Trigger, ABC, O2, Transfer
-Oral antihistamine 
-Consider IM Chlorephenamine for moderate reaction
-Consider fluids
-Socrates
-ECG
Transfer