The Procedural Work for Allergy

The nursing staff of the inpatient care unit aspires to elevate the nursing profession and provide effective, safe, and high-quality nursing care to patients in the unit in accordance with Egyptian, national, and international standards.

Mission of Nursing Care in the Inpatient Care Unit

The nursing staff of the inpatient care unit is committed to improving the health status of patients and providing the best nursing care in line with the hospital’s goals, procedures, and nursing management. It also works on advancing the scientific and practical level of all nursing staff in the unit and shifting their orientation toward modern trends in nursing and medical sciences.

Allergy is an immune system response to certain substances (such as pollen, fungi, some foods, etc.). Normally, the immune system fights harmful substances that enter the body, but in the case of allergies, it mistakenly treats some substances as harmful by producing antibodies that cause allergic symptoms.

Drug allergy is a negative reaction to a medication that affects your body. This happens due to the immune system's response to the drug, which it perceives as an enemy and reacts to it. As a result, you may develop an allergy that lasts for a few days until the drug's effects wear off. There is a difference between the side effects of a drug and an actual allergy to the drug. People usually experience drug side effects, but only about 5-10% of people actually suffer from drug allergies.

Symptoms of Drug Allergy

Drug allergies have some clear symptoms in the affected person, which may include:

• Skin rashes
• Sudden high fever that lasts for several days
• Difficulty breathing
• Behavioral changes
• Irritation and itching

Risks of Drug Allergy

In most cases, drug allergies do not cause significant harm or risks to health. However, a person may become allergic to a particular medication, and the situation could worsen. If not treated promptly and symptoms continue to escalate, it can affect other organs and bodily functions. Severe drug allergies can lead to life-threatening complications. For example, anaphylaxis is a sudden allergic reaction that occurs in the body due to a drug or allergen entering the system. Due to this allergy, another reaction occurs in the body after taking the drug, which can lead to various heart and respiratory issues.

Drugs That Can Cause Allergies

It depends on the individual, as different people may be allergic to different types of medications. However, there are some drugs that people are commonly allergic to:

• Antibiotics, such as penicillin or sulfa-based antibiotics commonly used in medicine.
• Aspirin, which is widely used but can also cause drug allergies.
• Chemotherapy drugs.
• Dyes used in X-rays.
• Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are widely consumed.
• Drugs containing antibody-based treatments.

Definition of Anaphylactic Shock (Hypersensitivity):

Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can impair breathing, cause a significant drop in blood pressure, and affect the heart rate. It may appear within minutes of exposure to the allergen.

Allergy Triggers:

• Some foods (e.g., eggs, nuts, fish, certain fruits, etc.).
• Insect stings (e.g., bees, etc.).
• Latex allergy (used in gloves, balloons, erasers, rubber balls, some lab tubes and stoppers, etc.).
• Some medications, like antibiotics and aspirin.
• Certain substances used in medical tests, such as the dye used in radiology procedures.

Signs of Anaphylactic Shock:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or eyes.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Swelling and tightness in the throat.
• Difficulty breathing and speaking.
• Skin rash, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
• Dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness.

Treatment:

Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition that can be life-threatening. If someone exhibits symptoms of anaphylaxis, the following steps should be taken:

• Discontinue the medication: If the doctor determines an allergy to a medication or a potential allergy, the first step is to stop using that drug. This may be the only necessary intervention in many cases.
• Antihistamines: The doctor may prescribe an antihistamine or recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Antihistamines prevent the immune system from releasing certain chemicals during an allergic reaction.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids may be taken orally or through injection to treat inflammation caused by more severe reactions.
• Anaphylactic Shock Treatment: Anaphylactic shock requires immediate injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). Hospital care is also necessary to maintain blood pressure and support breathing.
• Epinephrine Injection: The person should be injected with an epinephrine injection (epinephrine) as per the doctor’s instructions.
• Immediate reporting to a doctor.
• Administering antihistamines according to the doctor's instructions.
• Removing the allergen (e.g., any insect residue stuck to the skin if it caused the sting).
• Laying the person on their back and elevating their legs unless they are having difficulty breathing and need to sit up to help with breathing. If the person is pregnant, they should lie on their left side.

Epinephrine Injection:

This is a pre-filled self-injection containing adrenaline (epinephrine), specifically for immediate treatment during a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in patients who are at risk. Each injection contains one dose (one-time use) of epinephrine, which is discarded after use.

Conditions That Require Epinephrine Injections:

• Patients with anaphylaxis due to:
• Insect stings (e.g., bee, wasp, fire ants).
• Certain foods.
• Diagnostic test substances (e.g., radiology dye) and other allergens.
• Idiopathic anaphylaxis (unknown cause).
• Exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

Precautions Before Taking the Injection:

You should inform the doctor in the following medical conditions:

• If the patient is allergic to the injection or any of its components.
• If the patient has any of the following health problems: heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues, glaucoma, asthma, depression, Parkinson’s disease, kidney or prostate problems.

General Guidelines:

• It is crucial to know your allergens and avoid them.
• The injection is given into the middle of the outer thigh.
• Do not inject it into veins, hands, or feet. If accidentally injected in any other part of the body, seek emergency medical care immediately.
• Ensure the legs of a child are stabilized to limit movement during the injection.
• The injection should be regularly checked to ensure the solution isn’t pink, brown, cloudy, or contains particles.
• Epinephrine is sensitive to light and should be stored in its protective outer container to shield it from light.
• Avoid exposing the syringe to extreme cold or heat. Store it away from direct sunlight.
• The syringe is for single-use only.
• Do not reuse the remaining liquid from the syringe.
• Recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction and know what to do in an emergency.
• Report to the doctor if any signs of infection (e.g., persistent redness, warmth, swelling) are observed at the injection site.
• Symptoms such as an increased heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, pale skin, dizziness, or headaches may occur, but they usually subside with rest.

Drug Allergy Test