Hello and welcome to the Zero to Finals podcast. My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be

talking to you about anaphylaxis. And you can find written notes on this topic at zero definals.com

slash anaphylaxis or in the immunology section of the Zero-definals pediatrics book.

So let's get straight into it.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency.

It's caused by a severe type 1 hypersensitivity reaction.

Immunoglobulin E, or IGE,

stimulates mar cells to rapidly release histamine and other pro-inflammatory chemicals.

This is called Mars cell degranulation.

This causes a rapid onset of symptoms with airway, breathing and or circulation compromise.

The key feature that differentiates anaphylaxis from a non-anaphylactic reaction is compromise of the airway, breathing or circulation. Let's talk about the presentation.

Patients with anaphylaxis will present with a history of an exposure to an

allergen. There will be a rapid onset of allergic symptoms with urticaria, itching, angiadema

with swelling around the lips and eyes, and they may have abdominal pain. Additional symptoms that

indicate anaphylaxis are shortness of breath, wheeze,

swelling of the larynx causing strider, tachycardia, lightheadedness, or collapse.

Principles of management.

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and management

that should be managed by an experienced pediatrician.

Call for help early.

It's worth referring to the resuscitation guidelines for full management options,

but here is a summary to help with your understanding and your

...