Anaphylaxis
Basics
Systemic, generalized response to an allergen, typically soon after exposure
Description
- Immunologically mediated (IgE, IgG, and immune complex complement related) acute systemic reaction following antigen exposure in a sensitized person
- Nonimmunologically mediated acute systemic reactions are called “nonallergic anaphylaxis,” the term anaphylactoid reaction has been eliminated.
- System(s) affected: cardiovascular, endocrine/metabolic, gastrointestinal (GI), hematologic/lymphatic/immunologic, pulmonary, and skin/exocrine
Epidemiology
- Predominant age: all ages
- Predominant sex: male = female
Incidence
- Up to 47,000 cases of idiopathic anaphylaxis with no identifiable cause occur each year.
- Drug-induced anaphylaxis occurs in 1/2,700 hospitalized patients (most common = antibiotics).
- Anaphylaxis deaths: 0.3 to 0.7/100,000 per year
- Food allergic reactions constitute 1/3 to 1/2 of all anaphylactic reactions worldwide.
- Asthmatics are at a higher risk of severe anaphylaxis than nonasthmatics. Female asthmatics are at greater risk of anaphylaxis than males.
- Common triggers
- Antibiotics, NSAIDs, latex, perioperative anaphylaxis (muscle relaxants), radiocontrast media, hymenoptera stings, food, antisera, reactions associated with dialysis (hollow-fiber dialyzers), biologic agents, idiopathic
Etiology and Pathophysiology
- IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation with release of biochemical mediators and chemotactic substances
- Chemical mediators: Histamine and products of arachidonic acid metabolism (leukotrienes, thromboxane, prostaglandins, and platelet-activating factor) cause smooth muscle spasm, mucus secretion, increased vascular permeability, activation of nociceptive neurons, platelet adherence, eosinophil activation, and chemotaxis.
- Mast cell and basophils recruit other inflammatory pathways including kallikrein-kinin, complement, and coagulation pathways.
- Anaphylactic shock (distributive plus hypovolemic): fluid extravasation causing hemoconcentration and reduced venous return to the heart equals low-filling pressure and reduced cardiac output
Genetics
Genetic predisposition for sensitization to antigens
Risk Factors
- Previous anaphylaxis
- History of atopy or asthma
General Prevention
- Strictly avoid inducing drugs and foods.
- For those with history of anaphylaxis, carry epinephrine autoinjector at work/school and in vehicle. Protect autoinjectors from temperature extremes.
- If allergic to bee stings, avoid areas where insect exposure is likely. Avoid wearing insect attractants (e.g., perfumes, colored clothing); avoid bare feet outdoors.
- Carry or wear a medical alert ID about the anaphylaxis-causing substance or event.
- Caution with use of β-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, MAOIs, and some TCAs if other agents will suffice (will decrease effectiveness of epinephrine)
- When radiologic contrast is unavoidable, use of low-osmolar contrast agents (e.g., iothalamate) reduces the risk of contrast reactions to 3%.
- Only 0.2% were considered severe.
- Stop β-blockers before using contrast materials.
- Pretreat with diphenhydramine (50 mg IV) and steroid (e.g., methylprednisolone 60 mg IV q6h) until procedure. Start methylprednisolone the day before the procedure is scheduled.
ALERT
- Have a latex-free kit (gloves, etc.) available for the treatment of latex-allergic patients. Some latex-allergic patients react to tropical fruits, such as kiwi, bananas, avocados, and chestnuts.
- Avoid β-blockers.
Commonly Associated Conditions
- Asthma
- Atopy
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Citation
Domino, Frank J., et al., editors. "Anaphylaxis." 5-Minute Clinical Consult, 33rd ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2025. Medicine Central, im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816693/all/Anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis. In: Domino FJF, Baldor RAR, Golding JJ, et al, eds. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2025. https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816693/all/Anaphylaxis. Accessed December 14, 2024.
Anaphylaxis. (2025). In Domino, F. J., Baldor, R. A., Golding, J., & Stephens, M. B. (Eds.), 5-Minute Clinical Consult (33rd ed.). Wolters Kluwer. https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816693/all/Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis [Internet]. In: Domino FJF, Baldor RAR, Golding JJ, Stephens MBM, editors. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2025. [cited 2024 December 14]. Available from: https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816693/all/Anaphylaxis.
* Article titles in AMA citation format should be in sentence-case
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