Anaphylaxis

Course overview

Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal systemic hypersensitivity reaction that is caused primarily by exposure to drugs, foods, and insect venoms. Anaphylaxis can cause hypotensive shock and airway obstruction, the signs and symptoms typically begin within minutes, and clinicians must be prepared to recognize anaphylaxis, administer life-saving medications, and have the expertise to do emergency intubation. Also, health team members have a key role in the education of at-risk individuals and their families and of the general public to increase community awareness of the risk factors, recognition, and treatment of anaphylaxis and of ways to prevent its occurrence. Finally, in the case of exposure to products considered potentially allergenic in a healthcare center, such as latex and radiographic contrast products, having an evidence-based policy for the health team to follow and a screening tool in place to identify at-risk individuals could make the difference between a life-saving intervention and a catastrophic outcome.