Anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock) is an immediate, severe hypersensitivity.<\/p>\n
This\u00a0allergic reaction may occur to a person who comes in contact with something to which\u00a0he is extremely allergic.<\/p>\n
This type of shock is a true emergency, requiring medications\u00a0to combat the allergic reaction.<\/p>\n
a. Causes of Anaphylaxis<\/strong>. Causes of anaphylactic reaction include:<\/p>\n (1) Insect stings–bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, fire ants.<\/p>\n (2) Ingested substances–spices, berries, fish and shellfish, certain drugs.<\/p>\n (3) Inhaled substances–dust, pollens, chemical powders.<\/p>\n (4) Injected substances–antitoxins and drugs like penicillin.<\/p>\n (5) Absorbed substances–certain chemicals when they come in contact with\u00a0the skin.<\/p>\n b. Signs\/Symptoms of Anaphylaxis<\/strong>. An anaphylactic reaction affects many of\u00a0the systems of the body, including the following: integumentary system (skin),\u00a0respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, urinary system, and\u00a0the nervous system. Look at the way each of these systems is affected.<\/p>\n (1) Integumental system (the skin). Signs and symptoms include:<\/p>\n (a) Redness (redness of the skin).<\/p>\n (b) Urticaria (hives).<\/p>\n (c) Angioedema (skin and subcutaneous tissues swell).<\/p>\n (d) Pruritus (itching and burning skin, especially around the face andchest).<\/p>\n (2) Respiratory system. The child develops bronchospasms with wheezing\u00a0(the bronchial tubes get smaller, spasmodically causing wheezing). The tissues of the\u00a0larynx swell, causing the child to make a harsh, respiratory sound when he breathes.\u00a0He also becomes hoarse.<\/p>\n (3) Gastrointestinal system. The child experiences vomiting, abdominal\u00a0cramps, and diarrhea.<\/p>\n (4) Cardiovascular system. Cardiac blood vessels collapse. Tachycardia\u00a0(abnormally fast heart beat) occurs, and the heart beat itself is irregular.<\/p>\n (5) Urinary system. The child is incontinent (cannot control the passage of\u00a0urine or feces).<\/p>\n (6) Nervous system. The child has seizures and is acutely anxious.<\/p>\n NOTE: In emergency pediatrics, anaphylaxis is, fortunately, very rare. When it\u00a0occurs, the cause is usually an insect sting.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n c. Treatment for Anaphylaxis<\/strong>. Follow these procedures:<\/p>\n (1) Administer aqueous epinephrine in the dosage 1:1000, 0.1 to 0.3 ml\u00a0subcutaneously. The dosage may be repeated in 15 minutes.<\/p>\n (2) Apply a tourniquet above the injection site of antigen or the inoculation\u00a0site if the injury is a bit or a sting. An assistant should inject 0.2 ml of aqueous\u00a0epinephrine in the dosage 1:1000 around the antigen injection site or sting.<\/p>\n (3) Quickly begin administering normal saline intravenously to support blood\u00a0pressure and treat hypovolemia.<\/p>\n (4) Arrange for the monitoring of blood pressure and an electrocardiogram\u00a0for cardiovascular complications.<\/p>\n (5) Maintain a patent airway. View the uvula and pharynx frequently,\u00a0checking for evidence of swelling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock) is an immediate, severe hypersensitivity. This\u00a0allergic reaction may occur to a person who comes in contact with something to which\u00a0he is extremely allergic. This type of shock is a true emergency, requiring medications\u00a0to combat the allergic reaction. a. Causes of Anaphylaxis. Causes of anaphylactic reaction include: (1) Insect stings–bees, yellow jackets, wasps, … Continue reading 3-09. ANAPHYLAXIS<\/span>