Anaphylaxis can present with a spectrum of signs and symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and both the upper and lower respiratory tracts; hallmarks of anaphylaxis are the development of hypotension or the involvement of more than one organ system.
Clinical Features of Anaphylaxis
| Organ System | Signs and Symptoms |
| Nervous system | Feeling of doom, weakness, headache, dizziness, and seizure |
| Eyes, nose, and mouth | Pruritus, angioedema, rhinitis, lacrimation, and metallic taste |
| Respiratory system | Hoarseness and difficulty swallowing, asthma symptoms, asphyxia, and cyanosis |
| Cardiovascular system | Tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypotension, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest |
| Gastrointestinal system | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramping, and diarrhea |
| Cutaneous system | Pruritus, flushing, urticaria, and angioedema |
References:
- Brown SG, Stone SF, Fatovich DM, Burrows SA, Holdgate A, Celenza A, Coulson A, Hartnett L, Nagree Y, Cotterell C, Isbister GK. Anaphylaxis: clinical patterns, mediator release, and severity. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013 Nov;132(5):1141-1149. [Medline]
- Simons FE, Ardusso LR, Bilò MB, El-Gamal YM, Ledford DK, Ring J, Sanchez-Borges M, Senna GE, Sheikh A, Thong BY; World Allergy Organization. World allergy organization guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis. World Allergy Organ J. 2011 Feb;4(2):13-37. [Medline]
Created Apr 10, 2014.
