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What is anaphylaxis?

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What is anaphylaxis?

Definition

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction characterised by: [1]
  • sudden onset

AND

  • rapid progression of signs and symptoms

AND

  • involving two or more organ systems

Incident Rates

Although there is limited data on incident rates internationally, a review of 5843 epidemiological studies on behalf of the EAACI concluded that  Anaphylaxis is a common problem, affecting an estimated 1 in 300 of the European population at some time in their lives. [2] The same European review highlighted 22% of emergency anaphylaxis cases involved children [2]  
  1. HSE Anaphylaxis Guidelines, September 2016. Available via HSE Anaphylaxis guidelines, 2016
  2. Panesar SS, Javad S, de Silva D, et al. A on behalf of the EAACI Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Group. The epidemiology of anaphylaxis in Europe: a systematic review. Allergy 2014; 68: 1353–1361. Available via Panesar S et al, The epidemiology of anaphylaxis in Europe, 2014