Recognition, treatment, and prevention of anaphylaxis

Lindsey E Moore; Ann M Kemp; Stephen F Kemp

doi:10.1016/j.iac.2015.01.006

Recognition, treatment, and prevention of anaphylaxis

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2015 May;35(2):363-74. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2015.01.006. Epub 2015 Mar 6.

Authors

Lindsey E Moore¹, Ann M Kemp², Stephen F Kemp³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
² Department of Family Medicine, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
³ Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA. Electronic address: skemp@umc.edu.

PMID: 25841557
DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2015.01.006

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is an acute and potentially lethal multisystem allergic reaction that occurs in a variety of clinical scenarios and is almost unavoidable. Immunologic reactions to medications, foods, and insect stings cause most episodes, but virtually any substance capable of inducing systemic degranulation of mast cells and basophils can produce anaphylaxis. All health care professionals must be able to recognize anaphylaxis promptly, be prepared to treat it appropriately, and be able to provide preventive recommendations. Similarly, at-risk individuals must be prepared to self-treat anaphylaxis promptly if prevention fails.

Keywords: Anaphylaxis; Epinephrine; Management; Observation; Prevention.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anaphylaxis / diagnosis*
Anaphylaxis / prevention & control
Anaphylaxis / therapy*
Disease Management
Humans