Anaphylaxis

Question 1

define

Answer 1

Anaphylaxis may be defined as a severe, life-threatening, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction.

Question 2

doses for peeps:

<6mo

6mo-6yrs

6-12yrs

>12yrs and adults

Answer 2

Question 3

extra info

Answer 3

Adrenaline can be repeated every 5 minutes if necessary.

The best site for IM injection is the anterolateral aspect of the middle third of the thigh.

Common identified causes of anaphylaxis

• food (e.g. Nuts) - the most common cause in children
• drugs
• venom (e.g. Wasp sting)

Sometimes it can be difficult to establish whether a patient had a true episode of anaphylaxis. Serum tryptase levels are sometimes taken in such patients as they remain elevated for up to 12 hours following an acute episode of anaphylaxis.