Anaphylaxis

• severe allergic reaction

Treatment

• A

• B

  • O₂

• C

• withdraw suspected trigger if possible

• SC adrenaline 1ml 1:1000

• IV antihistamine - chlorpheniramine 10mg (slowly)

• IV hydrocortisone 200-500mg

• IV fluids

• Nebulised b₂-agonists / aminophylline

• advice on identification and avoidance of causative antigen

Typical Patient

• anybody

Symptoms / Signs

• respiratory distress

  • due to laryngeal oedema and bronchospasm

• circulatory failure

• death (15-20 mins)

Pathology

• massive histamine release through IgE mechanism

• common antigens

  • peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, egg, milk

  • bee or wasp stings

  • drugs

Investigations

• no time

Prognosis

• good

Complications

• death

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