Anaphylaxis
- Definition: Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic
reaction that occurs when the body's immune system responds excessively to
allergens, leading to the release of histamine and other vasoactive substances.
- Clinical Features:
- Respiratory Symptoms: Patients may experience wheezing and stridor, which
are indicative of airway constriction.
- Skin Manifestations: Look for angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of the
skin) and urticaria (hives).
- Psychological: Patients may express a sense of impending doom, which is a
subjective feeling of severe distress.
- Common Allergen Triggers:
- Foods: Peanuts, shellfish, and eggs are common food allergens.
- Latex: Exposure to latex products can trigger anaphylaxis.
- Insect Venom: Stings from bees and wasps can lead to severe allergic
reactions.
- Drugs: Allergic reactions to medications like penicillin and anesthetic agents
are possible.
- Anaphylactoid Reactions: These reactions are similar to anaphylaxis but are
not mediated by IgE antibodies. They result from the direct activation of mast
cells by substances like opiates, aspirin, radiocontrast media, or other triggers
such as exercise or cold exposure. In the acute setting, distinguishing between
- Definition: Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic
reaction that occurs when the body's immune system responds excessively to
allergens, leading to the release of histamine and other vasoactive substances.
- Clinical Features:
- Respiratory Symptoms: Patients may experience wheezing and stridor, which
are indicative of airway constriction.
- Skin Manifestations: Look for angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of the
skin) and urticaria (hives).
- Psychological: Patients may express a sense of impending doom, which is a
subjective feeling of severe distress.
- Common Allergen Triggers:
- Foods: Peanuts, shellfish, and eggs are common food allergens.
- Latex: Exposure to latex products can trigger anaphylaxis.
- Insect Venom: Stings from bees and wasps can lead to severe allergic
reactions.
- Drugs: Allergic reactions to medications like penicillin and anesthetic agents
are possible.
- Anaphylactoid Reactions: These reactions are similar to anaphylaxis but are
not mediated by IgE antibodies. They result from the direct activation of mast
cells by substances like opiates, aspirin, radiocontrast media, or other triggers
such as exercise or cold exposure. In the acute setting, distinguishing between
