The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Anaphylaxis — Emergency Management

A rapidly progressing systemic allergic reaction requires immediate intramuscular adrenaline and emergency monitoring.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Anaphylaxis — Emergency Management?

Anaphylaxis is a sudden onset, multi-system allergic reaction triggered by mast cell and basophil mediator release.

It progresses within minutes to hypotension, bronchospasm and laryngeal oedema. The most common triggers are foods, medications, insect venoms and latex.

Treatment depends on rapid intramuscular adrenaline injection, airway support and intravenous fluid resuscitation. Late biphasic reactions may occur within 4–8 hours.

Symptoms

Diffuse urticaria and severe itching
Lip, tongue and throat swelling
Hoarseness, stridor and respiratory difficulty
Wheezing and bronchospasm
Hypotension, tachycardia, syncope
Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting
Sense of impending doom, anxiety

Risk Factors

Previous severe allergic reaction
Asthma and atopic dermatitis
Mastocytosis and elevated tryptase
Food allergy (peanuts, shellfish, milk)
Drug allergy (penicillin, NSAIDs, contrast media)
Hymenoptera (bee, wasp) sting allergy
Beta-blocker use (potentiates the reaction)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Call 112 immediately and use an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen)
  • Hospital observation is mandatory after every anaphylactic reaction
  • Allergy specialist referral is required even after recovery
  • Re-exposure to the trigger must be avoided absolutely

Treatment Methods

01
Intramuscular adrenaline 0.3–0.5 mg into the lateral thigh (first line)
02
Oxygen support and high-flow facemask
03
Intravenous saline 1–2 L bolus for hypotension
04
Intravenous antihistamine (pheniramine) and corticosteroid (methylprednisolone)
05
Nebulised salbutamol for bronchospasm
06
Observation for 6–8 hours and adrenaline auto-injector prescription

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Heart Attack First Aid

Acil Servis

Quick recognition and an emergency call in a heart attack dramatically improve the chance of survival.

Stroke Symptoms and FAST Test

Acil Servis

The FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test is the most practical method for early detection of stroke.

Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)

Acil Servis

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction; epinephrine injection and 112 are the most critical initial interventions.

Respiratory Failure

Acil Servis

Respiratory failure is a life-threatening state characterized by low blood oxygen or rising carbon dioxide.

Poisoning First Aid

Acil Servis

In poisoning, identifying the correct substance and knowing when not to induce vomiting is critical.

Burn Treatment and First Aid

Acil Servis

Emergency treatment for burns varies by degree and extent, starting with cooling and extending to specialist care.

Head Trauma First Aid

Acil Servis

Regardless of the impact severity in head trauma, emergency neurological evaluation is mandatory if there is any change in consciousness.

Emergency Assessment of Chest Pain

Acil Servis

In a patient with chest pain, ECG and cardiac biomarkers rapidly help to distinguish heart attack and pulmonary embolism from other causes.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.