...About Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis can be defined as a life threatening and sometimes fatal allergic reaction. It is an allergic reaction that involves several organ systems simultaneously. When you are experiencing this severe reaction, symptoms will manifest in the lungs, skin, throat, nose, or gastrointestinal tract. This type of allergic episode is sometimes called anaphylactic shock, although you may experience this severe allergic event without going into shock, and this would entail a precipitous drop in blood pressure. Anaphylaxis usually occurs after an individual has been initially exposed to an allergen. After that first exposure, the person becomes highly sensitized to that particular allergen. When they are exposed once again, a dangerous allergic reaction will occur and this usually happens within minutes. There are numerous allergens that may cause a person to experience anaphylaxis. These can include: insect bites, drugs such as vaccinations, foods like peanuts or shellfish, or chemicals like latex. Note that peanuts and tree nuts alone are responsible for about 80 percent of all fatal reactions. In some cases, physical exertion has shown to be a contributing factor in this condition. Symptoms There are many different symptoms that one can exhibit during an experiencing anaphylactic episode. Some of these would include: difficulty breathing, dizziness, coughing, hives, stomach pain, cramping, anxiety, confusion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, a blocked...
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...Assessment task 1: Written Assessment Anaphylaxis is a respiratory disease that can be both acute and severe. It has a 3% mortality rate within Australia caused from a range of triggers that may or may not be known to the victim. Although anaphylaxis prevalence has increased, death rates have decreased due to understanding of the disease pathophysiology alongside better and faster management of life threatening symptoms (Liew, Williamson & Tang, 2009). This essay will discuss these points in detail as well as the pharmacological actions of adrenaline, the drug used to fight anaphylaxis in a pre-hospital setting. Anaphylaxis is Type 1 hypersensitivity response as it is ‘IgE mediated’. This involves an antigen/antibody response. To develop hypersensitivity a person must first be exposed to the antigen. On the initial exposure, the antigen activates the immune system and a hyper-production of IgE (immunoglobin) antibodies, which are produced by plasma B cells. The IgE antibody is specific to only that antigen and will bind to basophils and mast cells in the blood and blood vessel tissues, remaining inactive until that same antigen is introduced to the body again. Upon secondary exposure to the antigen, many chemical reactions are undertaken at a rapid rate. The antigen binds to IgE resulting in degranulation of basophil and mast cells and release of chemical mediators such as histamine and leukotriene’s (Arnold & Williams, 2011). Histamine especially have a fast acting...
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...available for any student having anaphylaxis. The bill will also allow school staff to administer epinephrine without any liability. Moreover, any school that adopts this legislation will be given preferences when applying for asthma related government grants from health and human resources department (TheHill.com, 2012). Just recently, a first grader, Amarria Johnson of Virginia State died after experiencing an episode of anaphylaxis from eating peanut. Her death could have been prevented, but the school had no epinephrine on hand to save her life(TheHill.com,2012).According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (2011),the delay in using epinephrine is closely associated with death from anaphylaxis,expecially anaphylaxis resulting from peanuts allergy (niaid,2011).Symptoms of anaphylaxis include itching ,swelling of lips and tongue, tightness of throat, skin hives, vomiting, diarrhea ,cramps, shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, weak pulse, dizziness and passing out (niaid,2011). According to Gregory Nancy (July 2012), about eight percent of American children are affected by allergies. Six million children have food allergy and about forty percent of those children have a past history of anaphylaxis. Sixteen to eighteen percent of children with food allergy have had allergic reactions to accidental injection of food while in school. Moreover, statistics on anaphylaxis reaction revealed that twenty five percent of anaphylaxis reaction in school occurred...
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...EpiPen is an injection containing epinephrine, this chemical narrows the blood vessel and open airways in the lungs. The effects of this injection can reverse severe low blood pressure, wheezing, hives, severe skin itching, and many different symptoms of an allergic reaction. They also use epinephrine to treat exercise induced anaphylaxis. Mylan offers the first authorized generic for EpiPen Auto injector at half of the wholesale acquisition cost . But as of 2016 , Mylan's EpiPen became the center of attention for scrutiny . Their prices increased by nearly 500 percent over the past seven years. American consumers are definitely not strangers to increased prices on drugs , but based on a few steep price hikes by the Mylan company and their decision to raise the price on EpiPen it caused an outrage. Mylan was at the center of criticism over rising drug prices. EpiPen is basically used by several parents of young children that suffer from food...
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...difficulty breathing. The nurse notes facial edema and audible wheezing. The patient’s skin is red with large, swollen blotches over her arms, trunk and back. Her systolic blood pressure is 118/78, pulse 108 and respirations 24. The IVPB antibiotic bag has infused about 3/4ths of the dose. The patient states, “I had this once when I took a drug called amoxil. The doctor said I am allergic to amoxil.” 1. Describe the mechanism of disease of Anaphylaxis and possible signs and symptoms. Anaphylaxis is a type of severe, whole body allergic reaction. It is characterized by a rapid onset after exposure to a triggering chemical which has become an allergen. The symptoms of anaphylaxis result from histamine release from the mast cells, which can lead to swelling, itching, and constriction of the air ways.There are two primary types of anaphylaxic reactions: true and pseudo anaphylaxis. Pseudo anaphylaxis has the same symptoms, treatments, and triggers as true anaphylaxis, but occurs without an IgE response. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include: coughing, wheezing, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives, itching, swelling, abdominal pain, slurred speech, and nausea/vomiting. A person receives an initial “sensitizing dose” which causes the body to identify the allergen as a threat. Subsequent exposures to the substance will trigger a response from the...
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...Introduction An anaphylactic reaction (anaphylaxis) is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects multiple areas of the body. Affected areas of the body may include the skin, mouth, lungs, heart, or gut (digestive system). Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. This condition requires immediate medical attention, and sometimes hospitalization. What are the causes? This condition is caused by exposure to a substance that your child is allergic to (allergen). In response to this exposure, the body releases proteins (antibodies) and other compounds, such as histamine, into the bloodstream. This causes swelling in certain tissues and loss of blood pressure to important areas, such as the heart and lungs. Common allergens that can cause anaphylaxis include: Medicines....
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...of an allergic reaction to food in order to have treatment begin in a timely/ effective manner for the child. Child care providers should be aware of the physical signs and symptoms of allergic reactions to food including anaphylaxis which is a life threatening condition. My intended audience is all staff, at all levels, working in the elementary school setting Knowledge will promote increased safety of elementary school children who suffer from food allergies. This is significant as nearly 8% of children have food allergies, with younger children affected most. Within this group, more than 15% of school aged children with food allergies have had a reaction while in school (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010) Approximately 20-25% of epinephrine administrations in schools involve individuals whose allergy was unknown at the time of the reaction. (Nowak-Wegrzyn A, Conover-Walker MK, 2001) Presentation Failure to promptly treat food anaphylaxis with epinephrine within minutes is a risk factor for fatalities, This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children (under 18 years of age) in the U.S. That’s roughly two in every classroom! Reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control state that food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital setting. We can better protect children by learning the types of common food allergies and the associated symptoms of allergic reactions Although nearly any food is capable of causing an allergic reaction...
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...treatment. Most in which signs of anaphylaxis can be identified. Begin with the “ABC’s” of basic life support. Patients can have dangerous throat swelling. If the patient is responsive they commonly talk in a hoarse or whispered voice and have problems breathing in air. Generally the skin look and condition will show to have hives, rash, or itchy skin and sometimes pale skin, or skin that is red and warm (flushed). Anaphylaxes is a life threatening condition so immediate transport is needed. Always try to obtain a medical history. It’s possible that it can be obtained from the patient or responders may have to try to talk to family before leaving scene. A good sign of patients with history of allergies are medical bracelets or medications that are prescribed and carried with the patient. If it’s possible remove the offending agent from the patient. Position the responsive patient in an upright position to assist with breathing efforts. Immediate transport is very important. Oxygen therapy (15LPM via non-rebreather mask) and/or ventilations (if needed 10-12 breaths a minute via bag valve mask with connected 100% oxygen) along with the administration of Epinephrine are most crucial interventions of treatment and management for the patient. Be prepared to protect the airway or begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the need shall arise. Epinephrine is the only drug that can quickly and almost immediately reverse the life-threatening reactions of anaphylaxis. It is very common that patient...
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...recently, this was seen at Disney World with the measles outbreak in 2015. D I believe that vaccination should be required by law and the individual should receive it, unless they are medically excused for a legitimate reason. Roman numeral II A Vaccination has become controversial mainly because of this one study published by the British medical journal, The Lancet. They suggested that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine caused autism and under development. (Mandatory Vaccination). It started the whole anti-vax movement that we see today. The anti-vax movement has recently caused some outbreaks where the disease had been rare or even readicated for some time. B Many parents now think that vaccinating their child will lead to autism, anaphylaxis, or some other unfortunate medical circumstance. Vaccination is a mutated, or dead strand of the virus. (Mandatory Vaccination). They are afraid that it may not be properly treated and leave their child with some fatal disadvantages. Many people say that the government is infringing upon religion when they have no right. (Vaccines procon.org) B On the other hand, other believe that although there may be some unforeseen risk it is very small and the benefits are way too important to overlook. The ingredients in vaccines are safe in the amounts used. Major medical organization such as the CDC state blatantly that vaccinations are safe for everyone. The most important argument for the pro side; however, is that children's lives will be saved...
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...Food Allergens An allergy is used to describe a response, within the body, to a substance, which is not necessarily harmful in itself, but results in an immune response and a reaction that causes symptoms and disease in a predisposed person. All food allergies are caused by an immune system malfunction. The immune system identifies certain proteins as harmful, triggering the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to neutralize the proteins known as allergens. Allergens are organic compound that contain hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, which form an important part of living organisms. Allergens contain protein, which is often regarded as a constituent of the food that we eat. For these to cause an allergic response they need to be bound to a protein once they are in the body. An allergic person’s immune system believes allergens to be damaging and so produces a special type of antibody (IgE) to attack the invading material. This leads to other blood cells to release further chemicals (including histamine), which together cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction. The most common symptoms are: sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and ears, severe wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, sinus problems, a sore palate, swelling, sickness, vomiting, diarrhea and nettle-like rash.Almost anything can be an allergen for someone, but the most common are: wheat, soy, milk, eggs, nuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and other, like sulfites, which are food intolerances and...
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...University of Greenwich Bromley College of Further and Higher EducationBSc Biomedical Science Year 2Tutor: Helen Dorrell | Biology of Disease | Case Study-Carcinoma of the Tongue | | Ndidi Nneka Ene | 12/9/2008 | | Introduction Carcinoma of the tongue is a malignant tumour that begins as a small lump, a firm white patch or an ulcer on the tongue. The tumor may spread to throughout the tongue to the floor of the mouth and to the gum or jaws. As the tumour grows, it becomes more life threatening by metastasizing to lymph nodes in the neck and to the rest of the body. There are two parts of the tongue, the oral tongue and the base of the tongue. Tongue cancer can develop in either part. The oral tongue is the part which is visible when someone ‘sticks the tongue out’. The base of the tongue is behind the oral tongue but they develop from different embryonic tissues and are dissimilar. Tongue carcinoma can be defined as squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and could be: * Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue * Squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue. Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue The tumor is usually located on the side/lateral border of the oral tongue. It is usually ulcerated and greyish-pink to red in color and bleeds easily if bitten or touched. Some very small cancers of the oral tongue can be quickly and successfully treated surgically by removing the primary tumor in the tongue....
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...vaccination for ferrets. When to vaccinate? - The vaccine is the same as the three-year vaccine for dogs and cats; however in ferrets this is licensed to be administered annually. What is an anaphylactic reaction? Anaphylactic reactions are sudden, potentially severe allergic reactions. After exposure of a substance, the animal's immune system becomes sensitized to the “foreign” allergen. An anaphylactic allergen can be a drug, insect sting, food ingredient, or vaccine component. Allergens cause the body to produce specific antibodies that interact with cells in the blood. This results in the release powerful chemicals that has detrimental effects regarding heart function, blood pressure, and can lead to cellular injury. What are signs of anaphylaxis in my...
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...collagen. Location: stroma in hemopoietic and lymphatic (but not the thymus) organs, basement membranes. • Elastic fibers Function: limitation of distensibility, prevention of tearing from excessive stretching. Composition: elastin, fibrillin. Connective tissue cells Fixed cell population • Fibroblasts Function: synthesis of collagen, elastic and reticular fibers, and complex carbohydrates of the ground substance. • Macrophages (histiocytes) Function: phagocytosis (defence activity and cleanup operation), immune reactions by presenting lymphocytes with antigens. • Mast cells (tissue basophils, mastocytes) Function: synthesis and release of histamine, slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis, eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis, heparin, immune and inflammatory reactions. • Adipose cells (adipocytes) Function: accumulation of neutral fat • Adventitial cells (perivascular cells, pericytes) Function: undifferentiated cells, source of fibroblasts and blood vessels in repair (wounds healing)....
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...[pic] Guidelines for Prevention of Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Infection Purpose of Policy: Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) to prevent neonatal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) disease has reduced the incidence of invasive early-onset GBS infections in newborns by 70%. The revised 2002 CDC guidelines for the prevention of GBS disease are based upon universal screening for GBS in all pregnant women. Scope of Policy: Nurses, LIP with OB privileges, residents Policy/guideline: I. Screening: Screen every (see exceptions*) pregnant woman for GBS with vaginal and rectal culture at 35-37 weeks gestation. If the pt is PCN allergic, request sensitivities on culture. Review culture results. If a GBS culture is positive during the current pregnancy, regardless of EGA obtained, the patient is treated as GBS positive. If a GBS culture is negative, and was obtained > 5 weeks prior, re-screen for GBS. (* Do NOT screen at 35-37 weeks patients who: ○ GBS bacteriuria in present pregnancy ○ Previous infant affected by invasive GBS disease These patients will automatically receive prophylaxis at delivery) II. Intrapartum Prophylaxis Indicated: • Previous infant with invasive GBS disease • GBS bacteriuria during current pregnancy • Positive GBS screening culture during current pregnancy (unless delivered by cesarean...
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...but not serious. For others, a food allergic response may be terrifying and life-threatening. The most common mild to severe food allergy reaction symptoms include the following: tingling in the mouth, hives, itching, swelling of the lips or tongue, wheezing, repetitive cough, nasal congestion, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, feeling faint, shock or circulatory collapse, tight throat, trouble swallowing, weak pulse, pale or blue coloring of skin, and anaphylaxis (“Food Allergy”). Some children may have trouble describing their experience, so it is crucial that an adult immediately recognizes that a reaction is occurring. Severe symptoms, alone or combined with mild symptoms, may be signs of anaphylaxis, a serious, life-threatening allergic response (“Symptoms”). A serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and swelling of the airways, resulting in death without treatment (“Facts and Statistics”). Anaphylaxis results when exposure to a food allergen triggers a flow of chemicals that may send the body into shock (“Food Allergy”). This reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure to the allergen worsens quickly, and can be fatal. Epinephrine is the primary course of treatment and is injected immediately following any severe symptoms of a food allergy. A shot of epinephrine is given to stop the further release of histamine and to relax the muscles that help you breathe (“Food Allergies-Treatment”)...
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