Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction. It is characterised by rapidly developing life-threatening airway and/or breathing and/or circulation problems usually associated with skin and mucosal changes. Anaphylaxis can be triggered by a very broad range of triggers, but those most commonly identified include food, drugs and venom. The relative importance of these varies very considerably with age, with food being particularly important in children and medicinal products being much more common triggers in older people.
To access up to date information and guidance click on the links below:
Key links –
Resuscitation Council UK: Adult BLS sequence https://www.resus.org.uk/resuscitation-guidelines/adult-basic-life-support-and-automated-external-defibrillation/#sequence
Resuscitation Council UK: Emergency treatment of anaphylactic reactions: Guidelines for healthcare providers www.resus.org.uk/anaphylaxis/emergency-treatment-of-anaphylactic-reactions
Resuscitation Council UK (2015) Adult Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation https://www.resus.org.uk/resuscitation-guidelines/adult-basic-life-support-and-automated-external-defibrillation/#blsaed
NICE Clinical Guideline for Anaphylaxis: assessment and referral after emergency treatment https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg134
