Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen like peanuts or bee stings. It involves an antibody-mediated release of chemicals from the immune system that can cause shock, low blood pressure, airway narrowing, and breathing difficulties. Common causes include foods, medications, insect stings, latex, and other allergens. Immediate treatment involves epinephrine, oxygen, fluids, and positioning the patient to maintain airway patency.

1. ANAPHYLAXIS

2. INTRODUCTION
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic
reaction occurring within seconds or minutes of
exposure to some allergents to, such as peanuts or
bee stings. It causes the immune system to release a
flood of chemicals that can cause shock, blood
pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow and
can cause breathing difficulty .

3. DEFINITION
Anaphylaxis is a clinical response to an immediate (Type 1
hypersensitivity ) immunologic reaction between a specific
antigen and an antibody. The reaction results from a rapid
release of IgE – mediated chemicals, which can induce a severe
life threatening reaction.

4. CAUSES
• FOODS
Peanuts, walnuts, cashews, shell fish (eg : shrimp,
lobster,crab ),fish ,milk ,egg,soy,wheat,beans.

5. MEDICATIONS
Antibiotics especially penicillin and sulfa antibiotics, allopurinol,
radiocontrast agents, anesthetic agents, vaccines, hormones (
insulin, vasopressin, adrenocorticotropic hormone), aspirin,
NSAIDs.

6. INSECT STINGS
Bee venom, antivenom, cockroach calyx, dust mites, wasps,
hornets, mold spores, animal hair

7. LATEX
medical and non medical products containing latex
OTHER PHARMACEUTICAL OR BIOLOGIC
AGENTS
Animal serums, (tetanus antitoxin, snake venom
antitoxin, rabies antitoxin), antigens used in skin
testing

8. IMMEDIATE CLINICAL FEATURES
Hives and itching
Peripheral tingling and sensation of warmth

9. Pale or flushed skin
Nasal congestion, cough and wheezing
Abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting diarrhea in case of food
allergy

10. Laryngospasm
Dizziness
Weak pulse , hypotension

11. IMMEDIATE MANAGEMENT
History collection regarding the causes of reaction
Monitor pulse, oxygen saturation and blood pressure
Monitor ECG for any cardiac abnormality
Administration of IV fluids (normal saline 1-2 L )
Oxygen administration

12. Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket.
Don't give the person anything to drink.
If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person
to the side to prevent choking.
Placement of the patient in the supine position with the lower
extremities elevated,
If there are no signs of breathing, coughing or movement,
begin CPR
Intubation should be performed on an emergency basis if
stridor or respiratory distress due to upper airway compromise
is present.

13. EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS
Epinephrine
Hydrocortisone
Albuterol
Diphenhydramine

14. EPINEPHRINE
• Normal adult dose: 50 to 100 mcg (equal to 0.05 to 0.1 mg)
• Route: IV / IM
• Mechanism of action: It decreases mediator release from
mast cells, prevents or reverses obstruction to airflow in the
upper and lower respiratory tracts, and prevents or reverses
cardiovascular collapse .

15. HYDROCORTISONE
• Normal adult dose :20 to 240 milligrams (mg)
• Route :Intravenous / Intramuscular
• Mechanism of action : Inhibits accumulation of inflammatory
cells at inflammation sites, phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme
release and synthesis, and release of mediators of
inflammation.

16. ALBUTEROL
• Normal adult dose :1 puff
• Route :Inhalation
• Mechanism of action: Acts on beta 2 adrenergic receptors ,
including bronchial smooth muscles relaxations and inhibiting
immediate hypersensitivity mediator release , particularly from
mast cells

17. DIPHENHYDRAMINE
• Normal adult dose : 10 – 50 mg
• Route : IV/IM
• Mechanism of action: Acts as an inverse agonist at the H1
receptor, thereby reversing the effects of histamine on
capillaries, reducing allergic reaction symptoms.