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Questions and Answers
Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with anaphylaxis?
Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with anaphylaxis?
- Headache
- Flushed skin
- Sore throat (correct)
- Itchy rash
Stridor is a potential sign of respiratory distress in anaphylaxis.
Stridor is a potential sign of respiratory distress in anaphylaxis.
True (A)
Name one therapeutic drug that can be given for anaphylaxis.
Name one therapeutic drug that can be given for anaphylaxis.
Adrenaline
Anaphylaxis may cause symptoms such as swelling of the tongue and __________.
Anaphylaxis may cause symptoms such as swelling of the tongue and __________.
Match the symptoms of anaphylaxis with their descriptions:
Match the symptoms of anaphylaxis with their descriptions:
What is the primary characteristic of anaphylaxis?
What is the primary characteristic of anaphylaxis?
Food, drugs, and venom are the most common triggers for allergic reactions.
Food, drugs, and venom are the most common triggers for allergic reactions.
What term describes a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction?
What term describes a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction?
Anaphylaxis can develop from routes of exposure such as injection, ingestion, absorption, and _______.
Anaphylaxis can develop from routes of exposure such as injection, ingestion, absorption, and _______.
Match the following routes of exposure to their effect on the development of anaphylaxis:
Match the following routes of exposure to their effect on the development of anaphylaxis:
Which of the following is NOT a common source of allergens?
Which of the following is NOT a common source of allergens?
Approximately 30% of allergic reactions have an unknown trigger.
Approximately 30% of allergic reactions have an unknown trigger.
List one sign or symptom of anaphylaxis.
List one sign or symptom of anaphylaxis.
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Study Notes
Allergic Reactions vs. Anaphylaxis
- Allergic reactions have a rising incidence of cases, with common triggers including food, medications, and venom.
- Approximately 30% of allergic cases have an unknown trigger.
- Symptoms of allergic reactions are generally milder, with localized urticaria being a common sign.
- Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction characterized by systemic complications affecting the airway, breathing, and circulation.
Definition of Anaphylaxis
- Anaphylaxis is defined as a generalized hypersensitivity reaction that develops rapidly and poses life-threatening risks, usually accompanied by skin and mucosal changes.
Routes of Allergen Exposure
- Anaphylaxis can be triggered by various routes including:
- Injection
- Ingestion
- Absorption (skin contact)
- Inhalation
- The speed of symptom onset correlates with the exposure route.
Common Allergen Sources/Triggers
- Common sources include:
- Pharmaceutical products like antibiotics and vitamins
- Foods, especially certain allergens
- Venoms from animal bites or stings
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Environmental factors: plants, dusts, moulds, animals, toxins, and vaccines.
Stages of Anaphylaxis
- Anaphylaxis begins with early allergic symptoms, progresses to anaphylaxis, and may swiftly lead to anaphylactic shock.
Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
- Initial symptoms may include an itchy rash, swelling (especially around the eyes), and dry cough.
- Additional symptoms can escalate to include:
- Flushed skin
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Chest tightness
- Swelling of tongue and throat
- Wheezing and hoarseness
- Dyspnoea (difficulty breathing)
- Severe cases may present with stridor, hypotension, bronchospasm, cyanosis, circulatory collapse, and respiratory collapse.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Drug Therapy for Anaphylaxis
- Treatment includes administering Oxygen.
- Senior clinicians may administer drugs such as Salbutamol and Adrenaline (1:1000) for severe cases.
- Paramedic intervention might be needed in critical situations.
Management of Anaphylaxis
- Immediate identification and response to symptoms are crucial for effective management.
- Emergency services should be contacted, and prompt administration of emergency medications is essential to prevent progression to severe complications.
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