Anaphylaxis: the “killer allergy”

Abstract

Introduction Anaphylaxis is an acute and potentially fatal, generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction that occurs, minutes or a few hours after exposure to a provoking agent.1-4 Food items, medications and insect stings are the most frequent aetiological factors1-4 but any substance capable of inducing systemic degranulation of mast cells and basophils can cause anaphylaxis. Therefore, anaphylaxis can occur in any clinical setting, and all health care professionals should be able to recognize and treat anaphylaxis promptly and appropriately. In spite of international1-4 and national5 guidelines, clinical experience suggests that anaphylaxis continues to be poorly managed in the country, and adrenaline is not considered as the first choice in initial management in many instances. Concerted efforts are underway to improve the management of anaphylaxis in Sri Lanka, and the Ceylon College of Physicians has taken the lead in that with regular training programmes in various parts of the country.