Anaphylaxis - Summary

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Anaphylaxis :
Up to 40% of anaphylaxis cases may have no clearly identifiable trigger. Diagnosis is based on the acute onset of symptoms involving two or more of the following body systems:

• Skin or mucosal tissue - Things like rash or swelling.
• Respiratory system - Such as bronchospasm.
• Cardiovascular system - Leading to hypotension.
• Gastrointestinal system - Causing abdominal pain.

The first-line and most important treatment for anaphylaxis is the prompt administration of epinephrine. For adults, the recommended dose is 0.5 milligrams given as an intramuscular injection in the anterolateral thigh. For pediatric patients, the epinephrine dose is 0.01 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

If hypotension persists after two doses of epinephrine, intravenous epinephrine or vasopressin may be considered as the next step.