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Anaphylaxis pp 1–10Cite as

Introduction to Anaphylaxis Essentials

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Abstract

Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening systemic allergic reaction. It is mediated by IgE and predominantly involves mast cells and basophils. The most common triggers are food, insect stings, medications, and latex. It is a clinical diagnosis, and cutaneous findings, such as urticaria, are the most common symptoms in anaphylaxis. The incidence of anaphylaxis has been reported to be approximately 10–20/100,000 population per year. The mainstay of treatment for anaphylaxis is intramuscular epinephrine. Following resuscitation, individuals with anaphylaxis should be counseled regarding the risk of a biphasic reaction, provided with a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector, and, referred to an allergist.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada

    Shannon French

  2. Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    Anne K. Ellis

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Correspondence to Anne K. Ellis .

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  1. Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    Anne K. Ellis

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French, S., Ellis, A.K. (2020). Introduction to Anaphylaxis Essentials. In: Ellis, A. (eds) Anaphylaxis. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43205-8_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43205-8_1

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