Anaphylaxis

Assessment
Management

Assessment

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction

Criteria:

• May see allergic signs: skin Itching or wheals AND
• Airway difficulty (stridor) OR
• Breathing difficulty (wheeze/ distress) OR
• Cardiovascular compromise (hypotension/ shock)

Use a standard life support approach

Assess - Intervene - Reassess: Assessment and management should occur in tandem

• DMIST handover from ambulance
• TRIAGE patient using SATS
• In any known or suspected diabetic – check glucose
• Measure and Record Vital Signs

 Examination

Primary: Assess ABCs then Secondary Head to Toe Examination

Specifically for Anaphylaxis:

• Look for airway swelling or stridor
• Examine chest for wheeze
• Check for hypotension or shock
• Examine skin for wheals

 Take a SAMPLE History

• Signs and  Symptoms: Itching; Dyspnoea; Dizziness
• Allergies: Any known precipitants
• Medications
• Past Medical history: Previous Anaphylaxis
• Last Meal
• Events: Possible Precipitants (drugs/ foods/ stings/ etc.)

Investigations

• No specific investigations needed for anaphylaxis
• However may be required for, or tailored around excluding differential diagnoses

Management