relatively mild or life-threatening. Annually, the occurrence of anaphylactic reactions is as high as 15% of the U.S. population.
Symptoms
The symptoms of anaphylaxis will vary from person to person and from allergen to allergen. How sensitive the person is, what the allergen was, how long they were in contact with it and past reactions will all play a part in the severity of the reaction. Your job is to watch for and recognize the severity of these symptoms. For some individuals, the reaction begins very slowly, but in most, the symptoms appear rapidly and abruptly.
The most severe and life-threatening symptoms are difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. Difficulty breathing is caused from swelling and/or spasm in the airways. In very rare cases, breathing can cease altogether. Loss of consciousness can occur due to dangerously low blood pressure. In the most serious cases, the heart can stop beating, causing death in the anaphylaxis patient.
Some symptoms of an anaphylaxis reaction are life- threatening, while others are merely uncomfortable. Generally, a reaction must involve at least 2 different body systems to be considered an anaphylactic reaction.
Listed below are system-specific signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis:
Skin: Most anaphylactic reactions involve the skin: hives, welts or wheals (raised bumps). Hives can cause severe itching and redness. Swelling can
84 Other Medical Emergencies
occur in the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands and feet.
Respiratory: Swelling narrows the airways which can result in difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, hoarseness, sneezing.
Cardiovascular: Blood pressure may drop dangerously low. Rapid or irregular heart beat, dizziness or faintness may occur.
Loss of consciousness, collapse, tingling or sensation of warmth (often the first symptom) difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, anxiety, fear, feeling that you are going to die, weakness and confusion are all additional symptoms.
Treatment
Quick, decisive action may be necessary to help save this person’s life. Here are the treatment priorities for anaphylaxis:
• Get help-notify the PIC and contact Aircare Access immediately.
• Check the patient’s airway and breathing. • Calm and reassure the patient.
The patient may have emergency medication on hand, specifically an EpiPen® OR AUVI-Q. If so, you can assist the patient with this medication if advised by Aircare Access personnel. Avoid oral medication if the person is having difficulty breathing.
Take steps to prevent shock. Have the patient lie flat, feet elevated about 12 inches. Cover him or her with a coat or blanket to maintain warmth. Do NOT place the
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