Allergic Reaction

Exaggerated immune response to any substance, an allergen. Not the allergen, but the bodies response to said allergen is the problem.

Histamines and Leukotrienes

Immune system chemicals that trigger allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis

Extreme immune response involving more than 1 body system. 

Most common s/s are wheezing and uticaria.

Wheezing

High-pitched whistling breath sound from bronchiospasm. Typically heard on expiration. 

Uticaria (hives)

Small areas of generalized itching or burning. Appear as multiple small raised areas on skin. 

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Allergen

Substance that triggers the bodies immune response and allergic reaction.

general categories

1. Insect Bites

2. Medications

3. Plants

4. Foods

5. Chemicals

Envenomation

Injection of poisen/venom by insect/animal. Often a bee sting. 

Toxin

Poisen. Sometimes injected by an insect like the fire ant. 

s/s of insect bite/sting

Sudden pain

Swelling

localized heat

redness

itching

wheal

Wheal

Raised swollen well defined area on the skin. 

Honeybee Stinger

Barbed end of the bee attached to venom sac in abdomen. May inject venom for up to 20 min.

Remove using a sharp/stiff object. 

Wash with soap and water.

Remove jewelery

Ice

Keep below heart

treat for shock

Prevelance of bee/wasp/hornet allergy

5% of popultation. 

200 deaths per year

s/s Anaphylaxsis

Generalized itching/burning

Uticaria, wheals, rash

Swelling - particularily airway

abdominal cramps

Bronchospasm, wheezing, stridor

dyspnea

anxiety - ALOC

hypotension

shock

 2/3 who die, die w/i 30 min

Anaphylaxsis Treatment

Tripod postion if dyspnea

shock position if shock

high flow O2

ALS support

TRANSPORT

Definitive=Epinephrine

Epinephrine

Natural Hormone (Adrenaline) that initiates fight or flight.

Vasoconstrictor

Broncho-dialator

hypertension

Epi-Pen Steps

Recieve Order (direct or indirect)

Ensure it is patients, not expired, and clear

remove cap

tip to lateral thigh

push in - 10 sec

remove

record time and dose (.3mg adult, .15 child)

Epi-Pen Side Effects

Tachycardia

increase anxiety

increase BP

Pallor

Dizzy

Chest Pain

Headache

Nausea / Vomit