What it means
An immune overreaction to a trigger (allergen) such as a food, a drug, latex or an insect sting. The most dangerous form is anaphylaxisan-uh-fuh-LAK-sisA sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.ana- away, against-phylaxis protectionFull entry , which can close the airway and drop the blood pressure within minutes. Swelling of the face, lips and throat (angioedemaan-jee-oh-eh-DEE-muhSwelling in the deeper layers of the skin and the lining of the mouth, throat or gut.angi/o vesseledema swellingFull entry ) can be part of it.
For the nurse
Stop the trigger at once (for example, stop an infusion), stay with the client and call for help. Give epinephrine IM as ordered or by protocol, keep the airway open, give oxygen and start IV fluids. Record the allergy clearly and teach the client about it.
At a glance
| Also written | severe allergic reactions |
|---|
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.
anaphylaxis
A sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.
allergic reaction
A harmful response of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.
angioedema
Swelling in the deeper layers of the skin and the lining of the mouth, throat or gut.