Anaphylaxis

Acute anaphylaxis has been described as ‘a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death’. It is becoming more common and is under-diagnosed. Even when it is recognized, it tends to be under-treated. In view of these factors, all clinical staff need to maintain an awareness of it in order to recognize, assess and manage it optimally. In this article we have concentrated equally on treatment and recognition with assessment. The patient who exhibits the full gamut of the manifestations of anaphylaxis may be readily diagnosed, but many patients can present with only one or two of the features, thereby increasing diagnostic uncertainty and leading to delays in definitive treatment with adrenaline.