Occurrence of multiphasic anaphylaxis during a transcontinental air flight.
Anaphylaxis, a multisystem allergic reaction, represents a true medical emergency. Anaphylaxis is characterized by a combination of the following: urticaria, angioedema, distributive shock, and respiratory failure. Most often, the patient is rapidly treated with prompt resolution of the anaphylaxis in either the out-of-hospital or emergency department (ED) setting. Infrequently, recurrent, or multiphasic, anaphylaxis is encountered, involving a reappearance of allergic phenomena after complete resolution of the original reaction. Recurrence may involve nuisance-level issues such as urticaria; alternatively, multiphasic reactions may be characterized by cardiovascular collapse and/or respiratory compromise. Initially aggressive pharmacological therapy followed by prolonged observation in either the ED or the in-hospital setting is strongly recommended to monitor for potential recurrence.
Brady
W J
WJ
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA.
Bright
H L
HL
D000328:Adult; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001359:Aviation; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000074241:Peanut Oil; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012008:Recurrence; D012646:Self Administration; D014195:Travel
D000074241:Peanut Oil; D010938:Plant Oils