Abstract
Anaphylaxis is an acute, potentially fatal systemic allergic reaction with varied mechanisms and clinical presentations. Although prompt recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis are imperative, both patients and healthcare professionals often fail to recognize and diagnose early signs and symptoms of the condition. Clinical manifestations vary widely; however, the most common signs are cutaneous symptoms, including urticaria, angioedema, erythema and pruritus. Immediate intramuscular administration of epinephrine into the anterolateral thigh is first-line therapy, even if the diagnosis is uncertain. The mainstays of long-term management include specialist assessment, avoidance measures, and the provision of an epinephrine auto-injector and an individualized anaphylaxis action plan. This article provides an overview of the causes, clinical features, diagnosis and acute and long-term management of this serious allergic reaction.
Highlights
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction—it is rapid in onset and potentially fatal
Causes Most episodes of anaphylaxis are triggered through an immunologic mechanism involving immunoglobulin E (IgE) which leads to mast cell and basophil activation and the subsequent release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, platelet activating factor, leukotrienes, tryptase and prostaglandins
Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), opiates, and radiocontrast agents can cause anaphylaxis, but anaphylactic reactions to these agents often result from non-IgE-mediated mechanisms
Summary
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction—it is rapid in onset and potentially fatal. Co‐morbidities Co-morbidities and medications may affect the severity of anaphylactic reactions and patient response to treatment.
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