Allergic Reaction and Anaphylaxis Quiz

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with anaphylaxis?

What is a common presentation of respiratory distress that may indicate anaphylaxis?

Which therapeutic drug is specifically mentioned as a treatment for anaphylaxis?

In addition to swelling, which other symptom indicates potential throat involvement in anaphylaxis?

Which of the following symptoms is indicative of circulatory collapse in anaphylaxis?

What distinguishes anaphylaxis from a typical allergic reaction?

Which of the following is NOT a common trigger for an allergic reaction?

How does the route of exposure impact the onset of anaphylaxis symptoms?

Which body systems are primarily affected during an anaphylactic reaction?

What are the early indicators of anaphylaxis following an allergic reaction?

Which of the following examples best represents sources of allergens?

What stage follows the initial allergic reaction in the progression toward anaphylaxis?

What is a common management strategy for treating anaphylaxis within professional practice?

Allergic Reactions vs. Anaphylaxis

Allergic reactions are common, with triggers such as food, drugs, and venom; about 30% of cases have unknown triggers.
Symptoms of allergic reactions are usually milder, often presenting as localized urticaria.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction characterized by rapid onset of airway, breathing, or circulation issues, often accompanied by skin and mucosal changes.

Routes of Allergen Exposure

Allergens can enter the body through:
- Injection
- Ingestion
- Absorption (skin contact)
- Inhalation
The severity and onset of symptoms depend on the route of exposure.

Allergen Sources/Triggers

Common sources include:
- Pharmaceutical products (e.g., antibiotics, vitamins)
- Foods
- Venoms (from insects or animals)
- Cosmetics
- Plants, dust, moulds, and animal proteins

Stages of Anaphylaxis

Progression typically starts with early allergy symptoms, moving into anaphylaxis, and can lead to anaphylactic shock.

Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Early symptoms may include:
- Itchy rash
- Swelling around eyes
- Prickly lips
- Dry cough and restlessness
Advanced symptoms include:
- Flushed skin, tachycardia, and chest tightness
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Wheezing, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Stridor, hypotension, bronchospasm, and potential circulatory/respiratory collapse
Gastrointestinal symptoms may manifest as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

Drug Therapy for Anaphylaxis

Immediate treatments include:
- Administering oxygen
- Use of Salbutamol and Adrenaline (1:1000) by qualified healthcare providers, usually in emergencies requiring paramedic intervention.

Management of Anaphylaxis

Urgent intervention is critical, involving stabilization of the airway and circulation, and administration of the aforementioned drugs.
Continuous monitoring for progression of symptoms is essential to address any changes rapidly.

Test your understanding of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. This quiz covers definitions, sources of allergens, stages of anaphylaxis, signs and symptoms, and drug therapy. Perfect for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their knowledge in this critical area.