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Anaphylaxis. Why it happens and what to do about it.
M C Soto-Aguilar1, R D deShazo, N P Waring
1Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112.
Postgraduate Medicine
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction with symptoms like hives and breathing difficulty. Immediate epinephrine treatment is crucial, followed by supportive care and hospital monitoring for severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Emergency Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially fatal systemic allergic reaction.
- Recognized triggers include foods, medications, exercise, and other substances.
- Clinical manifestations range from cutaneous symptoms to life-threatening airway compromise and cardiovascular collapse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the clinical presentation and management of anaphylaxis.
- To highlight recently identified triggers and syndromes associated with anaphylaxis.
- To emphasize the critical role of prompt and appropriate medical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
- Identification of diverse and emerging causes of anaphylactic reactions.
- Description of established and adjunctive therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Common signs include urticaria, airway edema, vascular collapse, asthma, and gastrointestinal distress.
- Emerging triggers include exercise, food additives, aspirin, steroids, dialysis, serums, and human seminal fluid.
- Epinephrine administration is the cornerstone of initial management.
Conclusions:
- Prompt recognition and management of anaphylaxis are vital for patient survival.
- Aqueous epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
- Supportive measures and in-hospital monitoring are essential for severe cases.