Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Overall prognosis is good if treatment is started promptly, with a fatality rate of <1%. The typical signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis are shown below.

Airway problems: lip and tongue swelling/angioedema, nasal congestion, sneezing, tightness of throat/hoarse voice/stridor.

The image is reproduced with the consent of the patient and with the permission of Dr Adrian Boyle.

Breathing problems: tachypnoea, bronchospasm/wheeze, increased mucous secretions, exhaustion due to increased work of breathing, confusion due to hypoxia, cyanosis, respiratory arrest

Circulation problems: hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrest, signs of shock

Neurological problems: confusion, agitation, loss of consciousness

Skin and mucosal problems: urticaria, erythema, pruritus

Gastrointestinal problems: stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea

Psychological problems: A feeling of impending doom