Vnitr Lek 2020, 66(6):335-339 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2020.098

Anaphylaxis - acute and long-term management

Martina Vachová

Ústav imunologie a alergologie, Lékařská fakulta v Plzni, Univerzita Karlova

Anaphylaxis is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition, and all healthcare professionals should be aware of it. Prompt recognition of anaphylaxis signs and early initiation of adequate treatment are essential for successful acute management. The first-line treatment is the administration of intramuscular adrenalin, followed by other interventions. Patients should be monitored after recovery for possible biphasic reaction. Before discharge, the individual risk of further reaction should be assessed and where appropriate an adrenalin auto-injector should be prescribed. Allergy specialist follow-up is essential for the identification of possible triggers and cofactors. Elimination of these factors reduces the risk of future reactions. Useful preventive measure is allergen immunotherapy, which is definitely indicated in patients with anaphylaxis induced by an insect sting.

Keywords: anaphylaxis, trigger, cofactor, adrenaline auto‑injector, allergen immunotherapy.

Published: October 8, 2020  Show citation