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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2004; 25(6): 695-703
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-860983
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Anaphylactic Shock: Pathophysiology, Recognition, and Treatment

Roger F. Johnson1 , R. Stokes Peebles1  Jr. 
  • 1Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 December 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Anaphylaxis is a systemic, type I hypersensitivity reaction that often has fatal consequences. Anaphylaxis has a variety of causes including foods, latex, drugs, and hymenoptera venom. Epinephrine given early is the most important intervention. Adjunctive treatments include fluid therapy, H1 and H2 histamine receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators; however these do not substitute for epinephrine. Patients with a history of anaphylaxis should be educated about their condition, especially with respect to trigger avoidance and in the correct use of epinephrine autoinjector kits. Such kits should be available to the sensitized patient at all times.

KEYWORDS

Anaphylaxis - epinephrine - shock - allergy

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Roger F JohnsonM.D. 

Center for Lung Research, T-1217 MCN, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

1161 21st Ave. South

Nashville, TN 37232-2650

Email: roger.johnson@vanderbilt.edu