Anaphylaxis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Anaphylaxis (an-ah-fi-LAK-sis) is your body's reaction to something you are allergic to. It may be caused by certain foods, medicine, or the sting of an insect. The most common signs of anaphylaxis are breathing problems, swollen or itchy skin, fast heartbeat, feeling faint, or blacking out. You can die from anaphylaxis if it is not treated. Caregivers will quickly treat your signs and symptoms and carefully watch you after the attack.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Anaphylaxis can cause shock, heart failure, and death if it is not treated. Call your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your medicine or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

• Informed consent: A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a vein in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is handling the anaphylaxis. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.
  
  
• Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Caregivers use it to see how your lungs and heart are doing. Caregivers may use the x-ray to look for signs of infection like pneumonia, or collapsed lungs.
  
  
• Heart monitor: This is also called an ECG or EKG. Sticky pads placed on your skin record your heart's electrical activity.
  
  
• IV: An IV is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids.
  
  
• Medicines:
  
  
  • Antihistamine: This medicine may be used with other medicines to help your anaphylaxis go away. It may also help to decrease itching.
    
    
  • Breathing treatments: This is medicine to help open your airways so you can breathe easier. A machine may be used to help you breathe in the medicine. A caregiver may help you with these treatments. At first you may need them more often. As you get better, you may only need the treatments when you are having trouble breathing.
    
    
  • Epinephrine: This medicine may decrease throat swelling and help you to breathe easier. It may also help to keep your blood pressure normal.
    
    
  • Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.
  
  
• Oxygen: You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your caregiver before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
  
  
• Pulse oximeter: A pulse oximeter is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. A cord with a clip or sticky strip is placed on your finger, ear, or toe. The other end of the cord is hooked to a machine. Never turn the pulse oximeter or alarm off. An alarm will sound if your oxygen level is low or cannot be read.
  
  
• Ventilator: This is a machine that gives you oxygen and breathes for you when you cannot breathe well on your own. An endotracheal (ET) tube is put into your airway through your mouth or nose. You may need a trach if an ET tube cannot be placed. A trach is an airway tube put into an incision (cut) in the front of your neck. The ET tube or trach is attached to the ventilator.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Anaphylaxis (Inpatient Care)