Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage of fatal cases of anaphylaxis is documented?
Which of the following is not listed as a risk factor for anaphylaxis?
What is the most reported trigger for fatal anaphylactic reactions between 1992-2001 in the UK?
Which of the following findings is typically associated with post-mortem observations of anaphylaxis?
Signup and view all the answers
Based on the content, which drug has the highest incidence of triggering anaphylactic reactions?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary characteristic of anaphylaxis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with anaphylaxis?
Signup and view all the answers
What initial assessment finding suggests an airway compromise in anaphylaxis?
Signup and view all the answers
In the management of anaphylaxis, which of the following is a definitive approach?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the common causes of anaphylaxis mentioned?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the respiratory assessment finding of a person in anaphylaxis?
Signup and view all the answers
What demographic characteristic was noted in the case presentation of the anaphylaxis patient?
Signup and view all the answers
Which patient symptom indicates agitation in a case of anaphylaxis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which symptom is least likely to be associated with the respiratory system during anaphylaxis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common cardiovascular symptom observed during anaphylaxis?
Signup and view all the answers
In managing anaphylaxis, which of the following is a crucial first step?
Signup and view all the answers
A patient is experiencing a biphasic reaction in anaphylaxis. What time frame should the healthcare provider observe for recurrence?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a component of the focused secondary assessment for anaphylaxis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended flow rate for oxygen administration to a patient in respiratory distress during anaphylaxis?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of anaphylaxis, which of the following describes protracted reactions?
Signup and view all the answers
Which vital sign would likely indicate a severe anaphylactic response related to the cardiovascular system?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Anaphylaxis Definition
- Severe, life-threatening, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction involving multiple organ systems, including the airway, vascular system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, skin, and central nervous system.
- Characterised by acute onset.
- Patients experiencing anaphylaxis often face life-threatening airway, breathing, or circulation problems.
Anaphylaxis Causes
- Stings: Bee stings are a common trigger.
- Nuts: Another frequent cause.
- Food: Various foods can trigger anaphylaxis.
- Antibiotics: Particularly penicillin.
- Anaesthetic drugs:
- Contrast media: Used in imaging procedures.
Anaphylaxis Prevalence
- Lifetime: 1 in 1,333 people in England have experienced anaphylaxis at some point.
- Incidence: 30 to 950 cases per 100,000 persons per year present in the emergency department (ED) with anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis Mortality
-
Post-mortem findings:
- Airway (laryngeal) and tissue (visceral) edema
- Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
- Myocardial injury
-
Fatal cases: 4%
Anaphylaxis Risk Factors
- Asthmatics: Higher risk of severe reactions.
- Mast Cell Disease: Rare condition affecting mast cells, which are involved in allergic reactions.
- Personal/Familial History: Family history of anaphylaxis increases individual risk.
- Age: Young children and older adults may be more vulnerable.
- Sex: No clear gender difference in risk.
Anaphylaxis Clinical Presentation
-
Skin (Integumentary System):
- Pruritus (Itching)
- Urticaria (Hives)
- Angioedema (Swelling)
- Flushing
-
Respiratory System:
- Dyspnea (Shortness of breath)
- Tachypnoea (Rapid breathing)
- Wheezing or crackles in the chest
- Stridor (High-pitched whistling sound during breathing)
- Hoarseness
- Throat swelling
-
Cardiovascular System:
- Hypotension (Low blood pressure)
- Hypoxia (Low oxygen levels in the blood)
- Tachycardia (Rapid heart rate)
- Arrhythmias (Irregular heartbeats)
-
Gastrointestinal System:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating or abdominal distension
- Vomiting
-
Central Nervous System (CNS):
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Agitation or anxiety
Anaphylaxis Initial Management
-
Immediate Actions:
- Remove the offending agent (if possible)
- Perform a rapid primary assessment: ABCDE
- Conduct a focused secondary assessment:
- Head-to-toe physical examination
- Non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP)
- 12-lead ECG monitoring
Anaphylaxis Treatment
-
JRCALC (Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee) ABC Assessment - Anaphylaxis:
- Oxygen: 15L if SpO2 <90%
- Epinephrine (adrenaline) intramuscularly:
- 0.5 mg (adult dose)
- 0.1 mg (child dose)
- Can be repeated every 5-15 minutes if necessary
-
Intravenous fluid resuscitation (IV)
- Normal saline or Hartmann's solution
- Can help restore blood volume and blood pressure
-
Antihistamines (IV or orally):
- Cetirizine or Loratadine
- Helps to block the release of histamine, reducing symptoms
-
Corticosteroids (IV or orally):
- Methylprednisolone or Hydrocortisone
- Reduce inflammation and prevent or reduce a delayed reaction
Transport Considerations
-
Rapid Transport to Accident & Emergency:
- ATMIST (Ambulance Treatment Management Information System) pre-alert en-route
- Consider HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) if in a rural location or >45 minutes from hospital.
Anaphylaxis Temporal Pattern
-
Uniphasic:
- Single reaction, often self-limiting.
-
Biphasic:
- Initial reaction followed by a recurrence of the same symptoms up to 8 hours later.
-
Protracted:
- Can last up to 32 hours.
- May not be prevented by glucocorticoids.
Anaphylaxis: Hospital Admission Criteria
-
ED (emergency department) admission is considered if the patient:
- Experiences biphasic or protracted reactions.
- Has a first episode of anaphylaxis.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers the definition, causes, prevalence, and mortality related to anaphylaxis. It provides crucial insights into this severe allergic reaction, detailing common triggers and the impact on patients. Test your knowledge on this life-threatening condition and its implications.
