Anaphylaxis

Question 1

what is anaphylaxis?

Answer 1

life threatening allergic reaction
- bronchoconstriction
- airways become tight and narrow
- increased vascular permeability - swelling

Question 2

what are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Answer 2

1. sudden onset
2. rapid progression of symptoms
3. life threatening ABC
4. may have skin/mucosal changes

Question 3

how do you medically manage an anaphylactic patient?

Answer 3

1. intramuscular adrenaline
   - <6 months - 100-150mcg
   - <6 years - 150mcg
   - 6-12 - 300mcg
   - >12 - 500mcg
2. oxygen via non breather mask - 15L
3. salbutamol - 2 activation every 2 mins - 10 max

Question 4

how does IM adrenaline, Oxygen and Salbutamol work in Anaphylaxis?

Answer 4

adrenaline
- vasoconstrictor - BP goes back up, reduces swelling in airway
- increases heart rate
- stimulates bronchodilator

oxygen
- to compensate for the hypoxia

salbutamol
- causes bronchodilation - relaxes smooth muscles in airway
- relieves bronchospasm