Anaphylaxis natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Dushka Riaz, MD

Common complications of anaphylaxis include airway blockage, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and shock. Prognosis is generally good with prompt diagnosis and treatment. It is important to follow up with an allergist to determine the exact cause of the anaphylaxis and advise the patient to avoid it in the future. ^[1] The main cause of mortality is cardiovascular compromise or airway compromise and is more common in patients with asthma. ^[2]

• The symptoms of anaphylaxis usually develop within seconds with rapid evolution. It usually carries an unpredictable course and can resolve as quickly as it began. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can progress to respiratory or cardiovascular compromise. ^{[3] [4]}

Possible complications include: ^[5]

• Airway blockage
• Cardiac arrest (no effective heartbeat)
• Respiratory arrest (no breathing)
• Shock

Anaphylaxis can be fatal without prompt treatment. symptoms generally resolve quickly with prompt treatment. Depending on the availability of epinephrine treatment, the prognosis may vary. ^[5]

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