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Anaphylaxis - Treatment

Alternative Names

Anaphylactic reaction; Anaphylactic shock; Shock - anaphylactic

Treatment:

Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition requiring immediate professional medical attention. Call 911 immediately.

Check the ABC's (airway, breathing, and circulation from Basic Life Support) in all suspected anaphylactic reactions.

CPR should be started, if needed. People with known severe allergic reactions may carry an Epi-Pen or other allergy kit, and should be helped if necessary.

Paramedics or physicians may place a tube through the nose or mouth into the airway (endotracheal intubation) or perform emergency surgery to place a tube directly into the trachea (tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy).

Epinephrine should be given by injection in the thigh muscle right away. This opens the airways and raises the blood pressure by tightening blood vessels.

Treatment for shock includes fluids through a vein (intravenous) and medications that support the actions of the heart and circulatory system.

The person may receive antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, and corticosteroids such as prednisone to further reduce symptoms (after lifesaving measures and epinephrine are administered).

Expectations (prognosis):

Anaphylaxis is a severe disorder that can be life threatening without prompt treatment. However, symptoms usually get better with the right therapy, so it is important to act right away.

Complications:

  • Airway blockage
  • Cardiac arrest (no effective heartbeat)
  • Respiratory arrest (no breathing)
  • Shock

Calling your health care provider:

Call 911 if you develop severe symptoms of anaphylaxis. If you are with another person, he or she may take you to the nearest emergency room.

  • Reviewed last on: 4/28/2008
  • David C. Dugdale, III., MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

The diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis: an updated practice parameter. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Mar;115(3 Suppl):S483-523.

Sicherer SH, Simons FE, Section on Allergy and Immunology, American Academy of Pediatrics. Self-injectable epinephrine for first-aid management of anaphylaxis. Pediatrics. 2007;119:638-646.

Simons FE. Anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;121:S402-S407.

Sampson HA, Muñoz-Furlong A, Campbell RL, Adkinson NF Jr, Bock SA, Branum A, et al. Second symposium on the definition and management of anaphylaxis: summary report-second National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network symposium. Ann Emerg Med. 2006; 47:373-380.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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