Airway situation
Anaphylaxis with airway involvement
Type: Medical
Before
- Epinephrine and resuscitation are first-line; airway plan depends on edema, stridor, and shock.
- Call help early; prepare for swelling and bronchospasm.
- Preoxygenate and stage smaller tube, suction, cric backup.
During
- Avoid delays if airway edema is progressing.
- Expect bronchospasm and hypotension; ventilator/pressor plan ready.
- Confirm tube and reassess shock after PPV.
After
- Continue anaphylaxis management and observation/ICU pathway.
- Treat bronchospasm and adjust ventilation as needed.
- Plan extubation carefully if edema persists.
Pitfalls
- Airway focus without epinephrine/resuscitation.
- No smaller tube backup.
- Under-recognizing post-intubation bronchospasm.