Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
Practice Leads
- Doctors: Ramesh Mehay & Sudhir Krishnan
- Nurse: Zoe Booth
- Admin: Chris Rushton
Date Reviewed
6th July 2016
Date of Next Review
September 2017
Anaphylaxis is a life threatening condition, usually occurring from allergies or adverse reactions to bee & wasp stings, certain foods like nuts etc. The patient will usually present with difficulty breathing.
- A doctor or if not in, a nurse should be immediately summon for a patient presenting with suspected anaphylaxis reaction.
- A blue light 999 ambulance should also be called, but can be stood down by re-calling if the patient condition improves to then not warrant it.
- Treatment is by adrenaline.
- Adrenaline in Ashcroft Surgery is stored in the emergency drugs case located in the emergency drugs bag by the post room fire door. Additional stock is in the clean store drugs cupboard located in the nurses corridor, next to minor ops room 40.
- The emergency kit also includes oxygen, advisor defibrillator, ET tubes, bag and mask, airways, dressings etc.
Life-threatening signs and symptoms:
- Airway: swelling, hoarseness, stridor
- Breathing: rapid breathing, wheeze, fatigue, cyanosis, SpO2 < 92%, confusion
- Circulation: pale, clammy, low blood pressure, faintness, drowsy/coma
Adrenaline Doses
Adrenaline - give IM doses of 1:1000 adrenaline (repeat after 5 min if no better)
- Adult 500 micrograms IM (0.5 mL)
- Child more than 12 years: 500 micrograms IM (0.5 mL)
- Child 6 -12 years: 300 micrograms IM (0.3 mL)
- Child less than 6 years: 150 micrograms IM (0.15 mL)