Management of acute anaphylaxis
Holmes, J.L.
Australian Family Physician 20(9): 1267-1269; 1272-1273
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8495 PMID: 1953469 Document Number: 377841
Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions range in clinical severity from very mild to life threatening. Patients with mild or moderate reactions may present with trivial, although annoying, symptoms and signs and may be safely treated with antihistamines and kept under observation. In severe cases, however, the situation may become rapidly life threatening and in these circumstances the prompt use of adrenaline is mandatory. Other therapeutic interventions may include the use of intravenous fluid resuscitation, inhaled beta-2 agonists and endotracheal intubation and artificial ventilation. The administration of other drugs such as antihistamines and corticosteroids may modify the later outcome of the condition, but they must never be used in preference to or in place of adrenaline.