Emergency , anaphylaxis to seafood - Essay Example

There may be rash on the skin, trouble in swallowing, trouble in breathing, and more”. (1) Sea food induced anaphylaxis results from the foreign protein (external allergen) coming in contact with the mast cells present in the gastrointestinal tract. This contact leads to histamine being released in massive amounts that produce the symptoms and signs of anaphylaxis. The time from ingestion of the seafood to manifestation of anaphylaxis ranges from just a few minutes to two hours. Signs and symptoms range from tachycardia, hypotension, and breathing difficulty to flushing and uticaria.

Deterioration from onset is rapid and leads to life threatening consequences. Asphyxiation is the most common cause for death from anaphylaxis. (2) The patient was brought to the emergency department by his wife on January 10, 2007 at nine in the night. Patient was ambulatory and walked into the emergency department. Skin rash and shortness of breath was the complaint. History showed that the patient had consumed Chinese seafood approximately two hours prior to the presentation at the emergency department.

The patient appeared pale. Blood pressure was 75/40, heart rate 125/min. respiratory rate 35, and temperature 36C. No stridor was seen, nor was there any facial. or upper airway swelling. The soft palate and uvula were not edematous. Occasional wheezing was present and the periphery felt cold on touching. Widespread uticaria rash was noticed predominantly on the chest, abdomen, back and proximal limbs. The consumption of sea food approximately two hours prior to the presentation, the low blood pressure, increased heart rate, respiratory compensation, and widespread uticaria rash were positive signs for food induced anaphylaxis.

The lack of stridor or facial or upper airway swelling were the negative findings in the diagnosis of food induced anaphylaxis. 0.5 mg adrenalin IM was given immediately. While an IV access was being created I liter of 0.9 saline and a bag of