Anaphylaxis
| Anaphylaxis | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Emergency medicine, Allergy and immunology |
| Symptoms | Itchy rash, throat swelling, numbness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, vomiting |
| Usual onset | Over minutes to hours |
| Types | Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylactic shock, biphasic anaphylaxis |
| Causes | Insect bites, foods, medications, drugs/vaccines |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms |
| Differential diagnosis | Allergic reaction, asthma exacerbation, carcinoid syndrome |
| Treatment | Epinephrine, intravenous fluids |
| Frequency | 0.05–2% |
Anaphylaxis (Greek: ana- 'up' + phylaxis 'guarding') is a serious, potentially fatal allergic reaction and medical emergency that is rapid in onset and requires immediate medical attention regardless of the use of emergency medication on site. It typically causes more than one of the following: an itchy rash, throat closing due to swelling that can obstruct or stop breathing; severe tongue swelling that can also interfere with or stop breathing; shortness of breath, vomiting, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, and medical shock.
These symptoms typically start in minutes to hours and then increase very rapidly to life-threatening levels. Urgent medical treatment is required to prevent serious harm and death, even if the patient has used an epinephrine autoinjector or has taken other medications in response, and even if symptoms appear to be improving.