Context
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction, which is characterised by rapidly developing and life threatening problems with the airway, breathing and/or circulation, usually associated with skin and mucosal changes. However, the latter may be absent in up to 20% of cases.1
It usually has a rapid onset with multiple organ involvement and is mostly caused by specific antigens in sensitised individuals.
The range of possible presentations can make diagnosis difficult but medical treatment must be started as soon as possible.
A significant number of cases of anaphylaxis are idiopathic.1
Incidence of Anaphylaxis
1 in 300 people will experience anaphylaxis at some point in their lives however the overall prognosis of anaphylaxis is good, with a case fatality rate of under 1% in those presenting to hospitals in the UK.
Each year in the UK there are 2030 reported deaths due to anaphylaxis in the UK with approximately 10 from food triggers and 10 from peri-operative anaesthesia.1