Presentation
Symptoms develop
quickly, often within seconds or minutes. They may include any of the
following:
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal breathing sounds
- Anxiety
- Chest discomfort or tightness
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Hives, itchiness
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Palpitations
- Skin redness
- Slurred speech
- Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue
- Unconsciousness
- Wheezing
(Stuart I. 2014)
Causes
Anaphylaxis is a
severe, reaction to a chemical that has become an allergen, a substance that
can cause an allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis can
occur in response to any allergen. Common causes include:
- Drug allergies
- Food allergies
- Insect bites/ stings
(Stuart I. 2014)
Investigations
- Examine the person and ask about what might have caused the condition, any particular foods seem to cause a reaction, any medications, or any insect bite.
- Tests for the allergen that caused anaphylaxis if the cause is not obvious. (Stuart I. 2014)
- Tests for allergies with skin tests or blood tests. (Mayo Clinic. 2013)
Stepwise Management
- Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR
- Calm and reassure the person.
- If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm. Do not squeeze the bee sting as it can release more venoms.
- Take steps to prevent shock.
(Stuart I. 2014)
- Medications:
- - Epinephrine (adrenaline) to reduce the body's
allergic response
- - Oxygen, to help compensate for restricted
breathing.
- - IV antihistamines and cortisone to reduce
inflammation of the air passages and improve breathing.
- - A beta-agonist to relieve breathing symptoms.
(Mayo Clinic.
2013)
REFERENCES
Stuart I. 2014.
Medline Plus. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000844.htm
[Accessed 27th April 15].
Mayo Clinic.
2013. Mayo Clinic. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/basics/treatment/con-20014324
[Accessed 27th April 15].
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