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Anaphylaxis

Christina Shawdy Sedaghat, DO and Christina Scartozzi, DO Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

A systemic, generalized response to an allergen, typically soon after exposure, that is usually associated with skin and mucosal changes and is characterized by life-threatening airway, breathi...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Based primarily on clinical criteria and is valid even if the results of laboratory tests, such as serum total tryptase levels, are within normal limits. Positive skin test results or increa...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treatment depends on severity.

  • Maintain a patent airway.

    • Endotracheal intubation and assisted ventilation may be necessary, possibly tracheostomy or needle cricothyrotomy in ch...

ONGOING CARE

DIET

NPO until acute symptoms are controlled. 

PATIENT EDUCATION

REFERENCES

1
Cardona C, Ansotegui IJ, Ebisawa M, et al. World Allergy Organization anaphylaxis guidance 2020. World Allergy Organ J. 2020:13(10)100472. doi: 10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100472.
2
Whyte AF, Soar...

CODES

ICD10

  • T78.00XA Anaphylactic reaction due to unspecified food, init encntr

  • T88.6XXA Anaphylactic reaction due to adverse effect of correct drug or medicament properly administered, initial encounte...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Anaphylaxis is a clinical diagnosis.

  • Patients with anaphylaxis should be assessed and treated as quickly as possible as respiratory and cardiovascular arrest and death can happen within...

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