Anaphylaxis

definition
 Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic (multi-
system) and severe
Type I Hypersensitivity allergic reaction in
humans and other mammals.
 The term comes from the Greek words
ανα ana (against) and φύλαξις phylaxis
(protection)
 Anaphylactic shock, the most severe type of
anaphylaxis, occurs when an allergic response
triggers a quick release from mast cells of large
quantities of immunological mediators (
histamines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes) leading
to systemic vasodilation (associated with a
sudden drop in blood pressure) and edema of
bronchial mucosa (resulting in
bronchoconstriction and difficulty breathing).
Anaphylactic shock can lead to death in a matter
of minutes if left untreated.
 Symptoms
 polyuria
 respiratory distress
 hypotension (low blood pressure)
 encephalitis
 fainting
 unconsciousness
 urticaria (hives)
 flushed appearance
 angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, neck and throat): this can be life
threatening
 tears (due to angioedema and stress)
 vomiting
 itching
 diarrhoea
 abdominal pain
 anxiety
 Emergency treatment
 Open airway and maintain breathing
 If needed CPR
 The primary treatment for anaphylaxis is
administration of epinephrine (adrenaline).
 Epinephrine acts on Beta-2 adrenergic receptors
in the lung as a powerful bronchodilator
 Beta-1 adrenergic receptors of the heart
increasing contractility (positive inotropic effect)
and frequency (chronotropic effect) and thus
cardiac output.[9
 Repetitive administration of epinephrine
can cause tachycardia and occasionally
ventricular tachycardia with heart rates
potentially reaching 240 beats per minute,
which itself can be fatal. Extra doses of
epinephrine can sometimes cause cardiac
arrest. This is why some protocols advise
intramuscular injection of only 0.3–0.5mL
of a 1:1,000 dilution for adult.0.15 mg for
child.
How long will an adrenaline last
 adrenaline (epinephrine) will wear off in 15
to 20 minutes for IM injection
 150 minutes for sc injection
 Warning!!!!
 Injecting adrenaline (epinephrine) in the
wrong place can be dangerous
 People have accidentally injected
adrenaline (epinephrine) into their thumb
 Adrenaline (epinephrine) can shut off the
whole blood supply by constricting the
blood vessels at the base of the finger or
thumb. The result is likely to be gangrene.