Anaphylaxis

What are the signs of anaphylaxis?

Symptoms

• High heart rate

• Low blood pressure

• Bronchospasm

• Upper airway obstruction

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a sever, immediate - type, generalised hypersensitivity reaction affecting multiple organ systems. It has a rapid onset and can be fatal. Anaphylaxis is characterised at its most severe by bronchospasm, upper airway obstruction, tachycardia and hypotension. Severe gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur.

Anaphylaxis can occur within minutes of parenteral or mucosal exposure to a drug, and approximately 30 minutes to hours after drug ingestion.

Instruct patients with a history of anaphylaxis to bring their adrenaline (epinephrine autoinjector) when attending for dental treatment.

Management of Anaphylaxis

1. Stop dental treatment

2. Remove or stop administration of the antigen.

3. Lie the patient flat.

4. ensure airways are clear

5. Give an intramuscular injection of adrenaline (epinephrine) to the thigh:

Adrenaline (epinephrine) intramuscularly, via preloaded autoinjector, into the anterolateral thigh. For adult of child more than 20kg: 300 micrograms. For child 10 - 20 kg: 150micrograms

OR

Adrenaline (epinephrine) (adult and child): 10 micrograms/ kg up to 500 micrograms (0.5mL of 1:1000 solution) intramuscularly, into the anterolateral thigh.

4. Call 000 - the patient must be taken to an emergency department.

5. Start supplemental oxygen and airway support if needed.

6. Be prepared to start CPR

7. Repeat adrenaline (epinephrine) every five minutes up the patient responds, or assistance arrives.

Follow up:

Update records with details about the suspected allergen and the patient's response

Request a copy of the medical report of the allergic reaction