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. 2022 Jul;22(4):332-339.
doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2022-0073.

Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis: concise clinical guidance

Andrew F Whyte  1 , Jasmeet Soar  2 , Amy Dodd  3 , Anna Hughes  3 , Nicholas Sargant  4 , Paul J Turner  5
Affiliations

Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis: concise clinical guidance

Andrew F Whyte et al. Clin Med (Lond). 2022 Jul.

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is a serious systemic hypersensitivity reaction that is usually rapid in onset and may cause death. It is characterised by the rapid development of airway and/or breathing and/or circulation problems. Intramuscular adrenaline is the most important treatment, although, even in healthcare settings, many patients do not receive this intervention contrary to guidelines. The Resuscitation Council UK published an updated guideline in 2021 with some significant changes in recognition, management, observation and follow-up of patients with anaphylaxis. This is a concise version of the updated guideline.

Keywords: adrenaline; anaphylaxis; antihistamine; corticosteroids; resuscitation.

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Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
Spectrum of severity of anaphylaxis. Reproduced with permission from Resuscitation Council UK. ABC = airway and/or breathing and/or circulation.
Fig 2.
Fig 2.
Initial treatment of anaphylaxis. Reproduced with permission from Resuscitation Council UK. IM = intramuscular; IV = intravenous; SpO2 = oxygen saturation.
Fig 3.
Fig 3.
Treatment of refractory anaphylaxis. Reproduced with permission from Resuscitation Council UK. ALS = advanced life support; BP = blood pressure; CPR = cardiopulmonary resuscitation; ECG = electrocardiography; HR = heart rate; IO = intraosseous; IV = intravenous; SpO2 = oxygen saturation.
Fig 4.
Fig 4.
Pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for anaphylactic shock.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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MeSH terms