MEDI7212 Lecture Notes - Lecture 91: Comorbidity, Corticosteroid, Cardiac Arrhythmia
Document Summary
Definition: any acute, severe, systemic allergic illness with typical skin features (urticarial rash or erythema/flushing and/or angioedema) plus involvement of respiratory and/or cardiovascular and/or persistent severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Or: any acute onset of hypotension or bronchospasm or upper airway obstruction where anaphylaxis is considered possible, even if typical skin features are not present. It is caused by rapid ige mediated release of potent mediators from tissue mast cells & peripheral blood basophils. Food (most common in children) - peanut, tree nuts: drugs, blood products - amoxicillin. Signs and sx of allergic reactions: mild or moderate reactions. Swelling of lips, face, eyes: hives or welts, tingling mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting, anaphylaxis. Swelling/tightness in throat: pale and floppy (young children, difficulty/ noisy breathing, difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice, wheeze or persistent cough, persistent dizziness or collapse, vomiting and/or abdominal pain for insect stings/bites. Immediate action: remove allergen (if still present, call assistance.