Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XIII · Medical Emergencies · 06

Allergy and anaphylaxis

A mild reaction with rash, itching or hives is treated with oral diphenhydramine and observation. Anaphylaxis, with airway swelling, wheezing, hypotension and hives, needs 1 mg/mL epinephrine injected into the anterolateral thigh: 0.3 mg for adults and 0.15 mg for small children, repeated every 5-15 minutes if needed, followed by EMS, oxygen and monitoring. Screen for latex allergy on the health history.

High-yield facts · 5

  1. Mild allergy (rash, itching, hives): diphenhydramine 25-50 mg orally, monitor.T8
  2. Anaphylaxis: airway swelling, wheezing, hypotension, hives; give epinephrine IM in the anterolateral thigh: 0.3 mg adults, 0.15 mg small children (about 0.01 mg/kg).T8S26
  3. Epinephrine for anaphylaxis is the 1 mg/mL (1:1,000) concentration; it can be repeated every 5-15 minutes.T8
  4. After epinephrine: call EMS, oxygen, position supine (or seated if breathing is hard), monitor vitals, CPR if needed.T8S26
  5. Latex allergy screening questions include reactions to balloons, gloves, and foods such as banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut.T2

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.