Anaphylaxis Management: Bitesize Learning

Anaphylaxis is the name given to a serious or severe allergic reaction. It can occur due to contact with any substance (the allergen) but commonly results from insect stings, certain foods and medicines. People that have a diagnosis of anaphylaxis must avoid the substance they are allergic to at all costs as anaphylactic shocks have the potential to be life threatening.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis are caused by the sudden release of chemical substances, including histamine, from cells in the blood and tissues where they are stored.

The release is triggered by the interaction between an allergic antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and the substance (allergen) causing the anaphylactic reaction.

This mechanism is so sensitive that minute quantities of the allergen can cause a reaction. The released chemicals act on blood vessels to cause swelling. In people with asthma, the effect is mainly on the lungs. There may also be an associated fall in blood pressure, the tongue may swell and commonly this will occlude (or block) the airways. This is a medical emergency and must be acted upon immediately.

Please take your time to work through this course and answer the questions at the end. We envisage it will take between 20 – 30 minutes to complete.