Anaphylaxis
Alternative names:
anaphylactic reaction; anaphylactic shock; shock - anaphylactic
Symptoms:
Note: Symptoms develop rapidly, often within seconds or minutes.
Signs and tests:
Examination of the skin may show hives
and angioedema (swelling
of the eyes or face). The skin may be blue (cyanosis)
from lack of oxygen or may be pale
from shock. Angioedema
in the throat may be severe enough to block the airway. Listening
to the lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation)
reveals wheezing and
may indicate fluid (pulmonary
edema). The pulse
is rapid, and blood pressure
may be low. Weakness,
pale skin, heart arrhythmias,
mental confusion, and
other symptoms may indicate shock.
Testing for the specific allergen
that caused anaphylaxis (if the cause is not obvious) is postponed
until after treatment.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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