Anaphylaxis: recognition, treatment, and outcomes

Anaphylaxis is defined as an acute, life-threatening, systemic allergic reaction associated with a broad array of clinical manifestations. Anaphylaxis typically is a type 1 (IgE mediated) hypersensitivity reaction though other mechanism may also be involved. Patients most commonly present with cutaneous symptoms followed by respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Prompt recognition and treatment can be life saving. Epinephrine is the drug of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis. It is imperative that patients and their caregivers are educated on the use of epinephrine autoinjectors and provided with an emergency action plan for managing anaphylaxis.