Anaphylactic Shock: Pathophysiology, Recognition, and Treatment

Roger F. Johnson; R. Stokes Peebles

doi:10.1055/s-2004-860983

Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Table of Contents

Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2004; 25(6): 695-703
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-860983

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

Abstract

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

Full Text

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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