[Modern treatment concepts of anaphylactic reactions]

Anaphylactic reactions are induced by the liberation of different inflammatory mediators. The symptoms are determined by the type, quantity and relation of these mediators and by the individual predisposition. In general, these symptoms can be detected on the skin, the lungs, the cardiovascular system, and the gastrointestinal tract. The early treatment of circulatory and pulmonary disturbances is a decisive factor for the prognosis of the patient. The severity of symptoms is graded from 1 to 4. An adequate therapy has to be started immediately according to the severity of the symptoms in a step-wise approach. Initially, common procedures like an interruption of the allergen exposition, oxygen supply and intravenous ports are essential. A few substances have been established for a specific drug therapy, such as catecholamines (epinephrine, dopamine, noradrenaline), histamine-antagonists, glucocorticoids, theophyllin and drugs for volume replacement. Intravenous administration of calcium is not recommended.