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. 2011 Nov 10;7 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S6.
doi: 10.1186/1710-1492-7-S1-S6.

Anaphylaxis

Harold Kim  1 , David Fischer
Affiliations

Anaphylaxis

Harold Kim et al. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. .

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is an acute, potentially fatal systemic reaction with varied mechanisms and clinical presentations. Although prompt recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis are imperative, both patients and healthcare professionals often fail to recognize and diagnose early signs and symptoms of the condition. Clinical manifestations vary widely, however, the most common signs are cutaneous symptoms, including angioedema, urticaria, erythema and pruritus. Immediate intramuscular administration of epinephrine into the lateral thigh is first-line therapy, even if the diagnosis is uncertain. The mainstays of long-term management include specialist assessment, avoidance measures, and the provision of an epinephrine auto-injector and an individualized anaphylaxis action plan. This article provides an overview of the causes, clinical features, diagnosis and acute and long-term management of this serious allergic reaction.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Simplified algorithm for the acute management of anaphylaxis. IV: intravenous *Should be given by a physician trained in the use of IV epinephrine with capacity for continuous blood pressure and cardiac monitoring
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