Overview of Allergy and Anaphylaxis

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2023 Aug;43(3):435-451. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2022.10.009.

Abstract

Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis occur on a severity continuum from mild and self-limited to potentially life-threatening or fatal reactions. Anaphylaxis is typically a multiorgan phenomenon involving a broad range of effector cells and mediators. Emergency department visits for anaphylaxis are increasing, especially among children. There is a broad differential diagnosis for anaphylaxis, and the diagnosis of anaphylaxis can be aided by the use of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network clinical diagnostic criteria. Risk factors for severe anaphylaxis include older age, delayed epinephrine administration, and cardiopulmonary comorbidities.

Keywords: Anaphylaxis; Diagnosis; Epidemiology; Epinephrine; Risk factors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anaphylaxis* / diagnosis
  • Anaphylaxis* / epidemiology
  • Anaphylaxis* / etiology
  • Child
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Epinephrine / therapeutic use
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / diagnosis
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / epidemiology
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Epinephrine