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Medical Emergencies · Chapter 14 Not started
Allergies and Anaphylaxis
From local reactions to airway-threatening anaphylaxis — and the one drug that reverses it.
Key points
- Anaphylaxis is a rapid, multi-system allergic reaction: skin (hives, flushing) plus airway swelling, wheezing, GI symptoms, or hypotension.
- Epinephrine is the treatment — early, intramuscular in the outer thigh. Antihistamines are secondary and never a substitute.
- Assist with or administer an epinephrine auto-injector per protocol; hold it in place several seconds and note the time.
- Symptoms can rebound (biphasic reaction) — everyone who gets epinephrine needs evaluation and transport.
- Airway swelling (hoarseness, tongue/lip swelling, stridor) is an ominous sign — move fast, epinephrine plus rapid transport.
- Ask about known allergies and carried auto-injectors during every SAMPLE history.
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