Anaphylaxis Pathophysiology:
(for first responder first aid, see here; for medical management, see here)
Most severe form of an allergic reaction.
Life threatening severe allergic reaction pruritis, urticaria, angioedema, hypotension, bronchospasm – occur within seconds to minutes of exposure to a specific antigen – Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction.
1 in 5000 exposures to parenteral penicillin or cephalosporin anaphylaxis. Other common antigens that may trigger reaction include foods, additives, stings and bites.
If untreated respiratory and vascular collapse death within minutes to hours.
Clinical features:
90% have skin involvement – urticaria, erythema, pruritus.
Upper respiratory tract – nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, tightness
Bronchospasm dyspnoea
Management:
Immediate subcutaneous epinephrine/adrenaline vasodilation and bronchial smooth muscle relaxation; CPR if cardiac arrest; monitor for hypotension and shock
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