ALLERGIC REACTIONS

An exaggerated response of the immune system

Anaphylaxis

Respiratory distress or signs/symptoms of shock

• Blood vessels dilate rapidly

hypotension

• Airway swelling

Causes

• Insect

• Food

shellfish, peanuts

• Plants

• Medications

• Latex

• Reactions usually rapid but your patient can crash

Signs and symptoms• Itching• Hives• Flushing• Swelling• Warm tingling feeling in face, mouth, feet, chest

and hands

• Tightness in throat or chest

• Cough

• Rapid &/or labored, noisy breathing

• Hoarseness, muffled voice or loss of voice

• Stridor

• Wheezing

• Increased heart rate

• Decreased blood pressure

• Itchy, watery eyes

• Headache

• Runny nose

• Sense of impending doom

Anaphylactic shock

• AMS

• Flushed dry skin OR pale cool, clammy skin

• Nausea or vomiting

• Increase in pulse and respirations; decrease in blood pressure

Care

• ABCs

• Epi-pen

Epinephrine Auto Injector• Epinephrine is a hormone produced by the body• A Catecholamine: Catecholamines are water-soluble

and are 50% bound to plasma proteins, so they circulate in the bloodstream.

• Acts on both Alpha and Beta-adrenergic receptors:• α1-adrenoceptor vasoconstriction, so that blood is

shunted to the body's core, and the β1-adrenoceptor response which is increased cardiac rate and output (the speed and pronouncement of heart beats).

• Also acts a bronchodilater

Administering

• 0.3 mg

• Definitive anaphylaxis

• Remove the cap

• Place firmly against thigh midway between waist and knee

• Reassess in two minutes