Anaphylaxis

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction involving multiple organs and requires immediate management [1, 2]. The word “anaphylaxis” is derived from the Greek words ana (meaning backward) and phylax (meaning to protect or guard) implying that the agent administered for its protective effect has on the contrary proved harmful. True definition of anaphylaxis refers only to IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction (Type 1), while non IgE-mediated reactions are termed as “anaphylactoid reactions.” However it is difficult to distinguish between two conditions clinically. Also the initial management of both these conditions is also identical. The World Allergy Organization has now classified anaphylaxis into immunologic, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated, and non-immunologic reactions [3]. Incidence of anaphylaxis during pregnancy is estimated to be around 1 in 30,000 pregnancies [4].