Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening inflammatory and immune reaction to exposure of an allergen, or antigen. Patients may experience anaphylaxis after exposure to insect stings, medications, or blood products. Anaphylactic patients experience distributive shock causing potent vasodilation and require treatment with vasopressors, such as epinephrine. They may also develop complications such as arrhythmias, hemoperitoneum, coagulopathy, severe gastrointestinal signs, hypoglycemia, and respiratory distress. Treatment of anaphylaxis involves blood pressure management, downregulation of histamine production, and nursing care. Mortality in anaphylaxis is generally low, and while anaphylactic patients require intense treatment and nursing care, they often recover well. Please enjoy this CE article courtesy of Today’s Veterinary Nurse.
