[Respiratory manifestations of anaphylactic shock]

Abstract

Anaphylactic shock is the most dramatic expression of allergic manifestations. Respiratory involvement, whether expressed as edema of the upper airways, acute bronchospasm, or pulmonary edema, is the second most frequent manifestation of anaphylactic shock after cardiovascular events, and is in many cases life-threatening. Respiratory signs of anaphylactic shock must be recognized rapidly to allow adequate treatment using epinephrine which has proven efficacy both in terms of symptom relief and prognosis.