P01.005 Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen. It involves a systemic release of inflammatory mediators leading to multi-organ dysfunction.

Common Triggers:

Allergen	Example
Foods	Peanuts, shellfish
Medications	Penicillin, NSAIDs
Insect stings/bites	Bee venom, wasp sting
Latex	Latex gloves, balloons
Contrast agents	Used in imaging studies

Clinical Features:

System	Symptoms
Skin	Itching, urticaria, flushing, angioedema
Respiratory	Dyspnea, wheezing, stridor, cough
Cardiovascular	Hypotension, tachycardia, collapse
Gastrointestinal	Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Neurological	Anxiety, confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness

Diagnostic Criteria:

Acute onset of symptoms following exposure to a known allergen or trigger.
Involvement of two or more organ systems.
Rapid progression of symptoms, often within minutes to hours.

Management:

Step	Action
1. Recognition	Identify signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
2. Call for help	Activate emergency medical services (EMS).
3. Remove allergen	If possible, remove the trigger.
4. Position patient	Lay patient flat with legs elevated.
5. Administer medication	Epinephrine is the first-line treatment:
	– Adult: 0.3-0.5 mg IM in anterolateral thigh
	– Child: 0.01 mg/kg (max 0.3 mg) IM
6. Supportive care	Provide supplemental oxygen, IV fluids, and monitor vital signs.
7. Transfer to hospital	Transfer to the nearest emergency department for further management and observation.

Prevention:

Identify triggers and educate patients about avoidance measures.
Prescribe self-injectable epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen) for patients at risk of anaphylaxis.
Provide written emergency action plans for patients and caregivers.

Points to Remember:

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate recognition and treatment.
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment and should be administered promptly.
Patients with a history of anaphylaxis should carry self-injectable epinephrine and wear medical alert bracelets.

UKMLA: PLAB Part 1 Review

Curriculum

P01.005 Anaphylaxis

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