Anaphylaxis history and symptoms

Anaphylaxis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Anaphylaxis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Anaphylaxis history and symptoms On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Anaphylaxis history and symptoms All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Anaphylaxis history and symptoms
CDC on Anaphylaxis history and symptoms
Anaphylaxis history and symptoms in the news
Blogs on Anaphylaxis history and symptoms
Directions to Hospitals Treating Anaphylaxis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Anaphylaxis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Symptoms

Symptoms of anaphylaxis are related to the action of (IgE) and other anaphylatoxins, which act to release histamine and other mediator substances from mast cells (degranulation). In addition to other effects, histamine induces vasodilation of arterioles and constriction of bronchioles in the lungs, also known as bronchospasm (constriction of the airways).

Symptoms can include the following:

• Polyuria
• Respiratory distress
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Encephalitis
• Fainting
• Unconsciousness
• Urticaria (hives)
• Flushed appearance
• Angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, neck and throat)
• Tears (due to angioedema and stress)
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety
• Slurred speech
• Nasal congestion
• Palpitations
• Cough

The time between ingestion of the allergen and anaphylaxis symptoms can vary for some patients depending on the amount of allergen consumed and their reaction time. Symptoms can appear immediately, or can be delayed by half an hour to several hours after ingestion. However, symptoms of anaphylaxis usually appear very quickly once they do begin.

Signs

Signs include:

• Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Hives
• Low blood pressure
• Mental confusion
• Rapid pulse
• Skin that is blue from lack of oxygen or pale from shock
• Swelling (angioedema) in the throat that may be severe enough to block the airway
• Swelling of the eyes or face
• Weakness
• Wheezing

The health care provider will wait to test for the specific allergen that caused anaphylaxis (if the cause is not obvious) until after treatment.

References

Template:WikiDoc Sources