Anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction, is rapid in onset and marked by flushing, urticaria, angioedema, pruritus, bronchospasm, and abdominal cramping with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is not uncommon; approximate lifetime prevalence of anaphylaxis was estimated to be 0.5 to 2% or possibly higher due to the common academic belief that the incidence of anaphylactic reactions is underreported. Rarely, anaphylaxis may cause death, most commonly from drugs, foods, and insect stings. This review covers the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis. Figures show inflammatory pathways in allergic inflammation and mast cell degranulation and pathways of activation.
This review contains 2 figures, 5 tables, and 72 references.
Keywords: Anaphylaxis, allergy, shock, auto-injector epinephrine, inflammation, mast cell, venom