A generalised allergic reaction that puts the patient's life at risk.
It is triggered by an object, food or living thing that is not usually harmful, but in this case produces a generalised immune reaction.
The onset of symptoms is very fast, affecting the skin in the form of urticaria with wheals, swelling and itching. It may also be accompanied by shortness of breath, hoarseness, wheezing, nasal congestion, laryngeal spasm, oedema of the glottis, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of consciousness.
It is diagnosed by means of clinical questioning, physical examination and a blood test.
This is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention to ensure correct respiratory function and effective circulation. The treatment of choice is intramuscular or subcutaneous epinephrine.
- Ronna L Campbell, PhD, John M Kelso. Anaphylaxis: Acute diagnosis. UpToDate. Jul 25, 2016.
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