Anaphylaxis

• What is anaphylaxis?

  A hypersensitivity reaction to an allergen
• What is a common allergen in a dental setting?

  Latex
• Why is anaphylaxis considered potentially life-threatening?

  It can cause severe airway and breathing issues
• What are some symptoms of anaphylaxis?

  Difficulty breathing, hives, rash, swelling
• How can anaphylaxis be recognized?

  By sudden onset and rapid progression of symptoms
• What should be done first if anaphylaxis is suspected?

  Stop treatment and remove anything from the mouth
• What position should a patient be placed in during anaphylaxis?

  Supine position to prevent fainting
• Why should tight clothing be loosened during anaphylaxis?

  To help restore blood pressure
• What should be done if a patient is struggling to breathe?

  Give 2 puffs of salbutamol inhaler
• What is the dosage of adrenaline for adults in anaphylaxis?

  500 mcg for adults (12+)
• When should IM adrenaline be repeated during anaphylaxis?

  After 5 minutes if problems persist
• When should intravenous adrenaline be used?

  Only in specialist settings by skilled personnel
• What is the oxygen flow rate to be given during anaphylaxis?

  15 liters per minute
• What should be done if the patient loses consciousness?

  Gently shake them by their shoulder
• How should the patient's airways be checked if they lose consciousness?

  Tilt their head back to clear airways
• What should be checked while the patient is lying down?

  Check for rising of the chest during breathing
• What should be done if the patient becomes unresponsive?

  Perform CPR: 2 rescue breaths, 30 compressions
• What should be done if a defibrillator is available?

  Use it on the patient's chest area
• What should be documented after emergency services take over?

  Details in patient notes, time, dosage given
• Where should anaphylaxis reactions be reported in the UK?

  To the UK Anaphylaxis Registry
• What are common allergens that can trigger anaphylaxis?

  Foods, medications, insect stings, latex
• How can exercise trigger anaphylaxis?

  Especially if done around allergen exposure
• What is idiopathic anaphylaxis?

  Anaphylaxis with an unknown cause
• What skin symptoms are associated with anaphylaxis?

  Itchy, pale, flushed, or hives
• What swelling symptoms are associated with anaphylaxis?

  Swelling of lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet
• What breathing symptoms are associated with anaphylaxis?

  Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing
• What heart symptoms are associated with anaphylaxis?

  Rapid heartbeat, weak and rapid pulse
• What blood pressure symptoms are associated with anaphylaxis?

  Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• What gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with anaphylaxis?

  Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• What neurological symptoms are associated with anaphylaxis?

  Dizziness, fainting, confusion, anxiety
• What emotional symptoms are associated with anaphylaxis?

  Feeling tired, confused, or extreme fear
• What should a clinician do when a patient begins to panic during anaphylaxis?

  Calm and reassure the patient
• What is the ABCDE method used for in anaphylaxis?

  To assess airways, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure
• What should be checked for disability during anaphylaxis?

  Level of consciousness and awareness
• What should be checked for exposure during anaphylaxis?

  Signs of rash, hives, swelling, or edema
• What can happen if a patient experiences decreased oxygen supply to the brain?

  The patient may faint
• What should be done if the patient feels extremely uncomfortable during anaphylaxis?

  Calm them and reassure them
• What is the role of the clinician during anaphylaxis?

  To assess and manage the patient's condition
• What is the importance of documenting anaphylaxis reactions?

  To relay information to paramedics and GP
• What should be included in the documentation after anaphylaxis?

  Time, dosage given, and patient movement