How does a patient typically present with anaphylaxis in relation to airway issues?

How does a patient typically present with anaphylaxis in relation to airway issues?

• A. Wheezing and coughing
• B. Swelling of the airway and stridor
• C. Shortness of breath without chest tightness
• D. Clear airway with normal breath sounds

Answer: (B)

In cases of anaphylaxis, significant swelling can occur in the upper airway due to the release of histamines and other inflammatory mediators in response to an allergen. This swelling typically leads to the presence of stridor, which is a high-pitched sound indicating partial obstruction of the airway, particularly in the larynx or trachea. The swelling can cause the airway to narrow, making it difficult for air to pass through, resulting in the audible stridor and the associated respiratory distress the patient experiences. Wheezing and coughing can occur in anaphylaxis as well, particularly if bronchospasm takes place. However, the hallmark of airway involvement in anaphylaxis is the swelling or edema that leads to stridor. Other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or a clear airway, do not adequately capture the severity of airway complications typically seen in anaphylaxis. Therefore, the presentation characterized by swelling of the airway and stridor directly correlates with the critical nature of airway obstruction found in this life-threatening situation.

In cases of anaphylaxis, significant swelling can occur in the upper airway due to the release of histamines and other inflammatory mediators in response to an allergen. This swelling typically leads to the presence of stridor, which is a high-pitched sound indicating partial obstruction of the airway, particularly in the larynx or trachea. The swelling can cause the airway to narrow, making it difficult for air to pass through, resulting in the audible stridor and the associated respiratory distress the patient experiences.

Wheezing and coughing can occur in anaphylaxis as well, particularly if bronchospasm takes place. However, the hallmark of airway involvement in anaphylaxis is the swelling or edema that leads to stridor. Other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or a clear airway, do not adequately capture the severity of airway complications typically seen in anaphylaxis. Therefore, the presentation characterized by swelling of the airway and stridor directly correlates with the critical nature of airway obstruction found in this life-threatening situation.