Anaphylaxis

Anila Khaliq, MD, Komel Safdar, MBBS and ROOHAM NAZIR, MBBS Reviewed 06/2022

BASICS

A systemic, generalized response to an allergen, typically soon after exposure, characterized by life-threatening airway, breathing, and/or circulatory problems, and that is usually associated ...

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is 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. Posi...

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 chi...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Bed rest until anaphylaxis clears and the patient is hemodynamically stable

Patient Monitoring

Continuous pulse oximetry during observation period with telemetry

DIET

REFERENCES

Hernandez L, Papalia S, Pujalte GGA. Anaphylaxis. Prim Care. 2016;43(3):477–485. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]

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ADDITIONAL READING

Lieberman P, Nicklas RA, Randolph C, et al. Anaphylaxis—a practice parameter update 2015. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2015;115(5):341–384. [View ...

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

Allergy to one species of legume (e.g., peanuts) or one type of seafood (e.g., shrimp) does not mean a patient is allergic to all products in that category. Skin testing is useful.
Afte...

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