Word parts
What it means
The most serious kind of allergyAL-er-jeeA reaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.Full entry reaction. Within minutes of contact with something the person is allergic to, such as a drug, a food like peanuts, latex or an insect sting, the body releases chemicals that widen blood vessels and narrow the airways. Signs include hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheezingWEEZ-ingA high-pitched, whistling sound made as air moves through narrowed airways.Full entry , stridorSTRY-derA high-pitched, harsh sound made while breathing, usually heard when breathing in.Full entry , trouble breathing, a drop in blood pressure, a fast pulse and a feeling of doom. It can cause death without fast treatment.
For the nurse
Stop the drug or infusion causing it, call for help and protect the airway. Intramuscular epinephrineep-ih-NEF-rinA hormone and drug, also called adrenaline, that raises heart rate and blood pressure and opens the airways.Full entry into the outer thigh is the first drug. Give oxygen and IV fluids as ordered, and keep watching, because symptoms can come back hours later. Teach clients with known severe allergies to carry and use an epinephrine auto-injector and wear medical alert ID.
In a chart
"Ten minutes into first dose of IV antibiotic: hives, wheezing, BP 78/40. Infusion stopped; epinephrine given IM per protocol."
At a glance
| Spanish | anafilaxia |
|---|---|
| Also written | anaphylactic, anaphylactic reaction |
Related terms
epinephrine
A hormone and drug, also called adrenaline, that raises heart rate and blood pressure and opens the airways.
allergy
A reaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.
hypersensitivity
An overreaction of the immune system to a substance that is usually harmless.
airway
The passages that carry air into and out of the lungs, from the nose and mouth to the smallest air tubes.