What is the standard emergency treatment for an anaphylactic reaction?
See also Emergency drug and fluid calculator Show
Key points
BackgroundMost reactions occur within 30 minutes of exposure to a trigger but can occur up to 4 hours later
Newer monoclonal antibody therapies may produce delayed anaphylactic reactions and rebound symptoms that occur more than 12 hours after the initial reaction NB: a cause is not identified in 20% of cases AssessmentIdentify risk factors for fatal anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a clinical diagnosis made in the setting of the acute onset of either:
A detailed history of pre-hospital events is vital to confirm anaphylaxis and its associated trigger(s)
ManagementInvestigationsAnaphylaxis is a clinical diagnosis. A serum tryptase has no role in acute management of anaphylaxis. It should only be ordered after consultation with a paediatric allergy specialist in special circumstances. Treatment
The following doses of adrenaline may be used
Example autoinjectors
Other treatments to consider
Observation and admission All children with anaphylaxis should be observed for at least 4 hours in a supervised setting with facilities to manage deterioration
The acute care setting should provide resources, education and follow up options to the family including:
EpiPen® / EpiPen Jnr® / Anapen® are available on PBS for all children with a history of acute anaphylaxis. See Guidelines for
the prescription of an EpiPen for more information
Peripheral IV adrenaline infusionThis should only be done in consultation with a senior staff member. Avoid high infusion rates for more than two hours as it may cause fluid overload
Consider consultation with local paediatric team when
Consider transfer when
NB: Also consider consultation with paediatric allergy/immunology team Consider discharge whenSee Observation and Admission section above For emergency advice and paediatric or neonatal ICU transfers, see Retrieval Services Parent information sheetsAllergic and anaphylactic reactions Additional notesIn Victoria it is a requirement to notify all cases of anaphylaxis presenting to hospital, to the Department of Health and Human Services (this does not include cases arising in hospital) Where the suspected cause is the consumption of a packaged food, notifications are required to be made immediately (within 24 hours of diagnosis) by telephone (1300 651 160, which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week) Where the suspected cause is anything other than packaged food, notifications are required to be made within five days of initial diagnosis of anaphylaxis and electronically via the online form through the department's website Last updated January 2021 What is the protocol for the treatment of anaphylaxis?Epinephrine (1 mg/ml aqueous solution [1:1000 dilution]) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and should be administered immediately. In adults, administer a 0.3 mg intramuscular dose using a premeasured or prefilled syringe, or an autoinjector, in the mid-outer thigh (through clothing if necessary).
What are the 4 steps to treat a severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis )?A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is life-threatening and requires urgent action .. Lay the person flat – do not allow them to stand or walk.. Give adrenaline injector (such as EpiPen® or Anapen®) into the outer mid-thigh.. Phone an ambulance – call triple zero (000).. Phone family or emergency contact.. What is the first thing to do if someone is having an anaphylactic shock?If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis: Use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one – but make sure you know how to use it correctly first. Call 999 for an ambulance immediately (even if they start to feel better) – mention that you think the person has anaphylaxis.
What are the five steps given for anaphylaxis action?ACTION FOR ANAPHYLAXIS. LAY PERSON FLAT - do NOT allow them to stand or walk. ... . GIVE ADRENALINE INJECTOR.. Phone ambulance - 000 (AU) or 111 (NZ). Phone family/emergency contact.. Further adrenaline may be given if no response after 5 minutes.. Transfer person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation.. |