www.bpac.org.

nz keyword: anaphylaxis

The management of
ANAPHYLAXIS
in primary care
Key Reviewer: Dr Richard Steele, Clinical Immunologist and Immunopathologist,
Wellington Hospital and Aotea Pathology

10 | BPJ | Issue 18
Anaphylaxis treatment algorithm

Confirm anaphylaxis*
Is onset of symptoms acute?
Are there life-threatening airway, breathing or circulation problems?
Are skin changes present?

Call for help/Dial 111

Treat ABC
Lie patient flat and raise their legs (or place in a sitting position if breathing difficulties).
Remove the trigger if possible e.g. stop delivery of any drug, remove a bee sting. Do not induce vomiting after
food-induced anaphylaxis.

Administer adrenaline
Adult and child >12 years: 0.5 mg IM (0.5 mL 1:1000 solution)
Child 6 12 years: 0.3 mg IM (0.3 mL 1:1000 solution)
Child <6 years: 0.15 mg IM (0.15 mL 1:1000 solution)
Infant <6 months: 0.01 mg/kg IM (0.01 mL/kg 1:1000 solution)

Repeat dose at 5 minute intervals

If an auto-injector is the only form of adrenaline available, this should be administered

If skills and equipment available:

Establish airway Gain IV access
Monitor pulse oximetry, blood pressure, ECG Administer IV fluids (0.9% saline)
Administer high flow oxygen Consider an antihistamine or hydrocortisone

Adapted from the UK Working Group of the Resuscitation Council1

*Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. Patients with signs and symptoms indicative of a mild to moderate allergic
reaction (swelling of lips, face or eyes, hives or welts, tingling mouth, abdominal pain or vomiting) should be closely
observed for deterioration and treated symptomatically.

BPJ | Issue 18 | 11
Recognising anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction, intravenous trigger usually results in a more rapid onset
characterised by rapid onset of life-threatening respiratory of symptoms, followed by stings, then orally ingested
and cardiovascular symptoms. Most episodes are allergens.1
triggered by an allergen interaction with immunoglobulin
E (IgE), however reactions may occur in the absence of any If untreated, anaphylaxis can cause death within minutes
obvious trigger (idiopathic anaphylaxis). 2
due to cardiovascular collapse (more common in adults)
or respiratory tract obstruction (more common in
Anaphylactoid reactions are distinguished from true children).2,4
anaphylaxis as they are not IgE mediated, but this
distinction is not clinically relevant for treatment as both Risk factors for mortality include;
types of reaction cause the same symptoms and are
Age adolescents and younger adults are at
treated in the same way.2
the highest risk for fatal anaphylaxis from foods,
especially peanuts. Venom-induced deaths are more
frequent in middle-aged adults and older adults
Allergic triggers in anaphylaxis
account for most cases of fatal medication-induced
Food egg, cows' milk (and dairy foods), peanuts,
anaphylaxis.
tree nuts, seeds (e.g. sesame), seafood, fruit (e.g.
kiwifruit, banana). Sensitivity to food additives Asthma especially if not well controlled

rarely causes anaphylaxis. Cardiopulmonary disease

Delayed or no administration of adrenaline

Insect venom bees, wasps.

Medication antibiotics (e.g. penicillin), aspirin/ Diagnosing anaphylaxis

NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, herbal products.
Diagnosis is based on history and observations at the
Other latex (e.g. balloons, gloves, condoms), time of the event and may be difficult due to the range of
blood products, radio contrast media, storage signs and symptoms that can occur. However, anaphylaxis
mite (found in stored grains e.g. flour), exercise, is more likely when a certain combination of factors are
exposure to cold air or water. present.1

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may vary

Symptoms, severity and time of onset may vary between
patients and from one episode of anaphylaxis to another.3
Symptoms usually occur within five to 30 minutes after
exposure to a trigger, however reactions can occur up to
several hours later, or symptoms can build up over time,
beginning as a mild allergic reaction. Exposure to an

12 | BPJ | Issue 18
Criteria for suspecting anaphylaxis1
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is likely when all three of the following criteria

are met: Life-threatening symptoms:
1. Sudden onset and rapid progression of symptoms
Airway pharyngeal or laryngeal oedema, hoarse
2. Life threatening airway, breathing or circulatory voice, stridor, swallowing difficulties.
problems

3. Skin and/or mucosal changes Breathing dyspnoea, increased respiratory rate,

wheeze, bronchospasm, hypoxia, pulmonary oedema,
Exposure to a known allergen supports the diagnosis. cyanosis and respiratory arrest.

Note that: Circulation shock (pale, clammy), tachycardia,

hypotension, dizziness, collapse, deterioration
Skin or mucosal changes alone are not a sign of
when sitting or standing, decreased consciousness,
anaphylactic reaction
myocardial ischaemia, ECG changes, cardiac
Skin or mucosal changes can be subtle or absent in arrest.1
some reactions (approximately 12%)

Gastrointestinal symptoms may also be present

Other symptoms:

Skin erythema, urticaria, flushing, itching,

Differential diagnosis
angioedema.
Other conditions which may mimic the signs and
symptoms of anaphylaxis include:1 Gastrointestinal abdominal pain, cramps,
vomiting, diarrhoea.
Life threatening asthma, especially in
children
Nervous system anxiousness, confusion,
Septic shock hypotension, petechial or
agitation.
purpuric rash
Vasovagal episode (faint) e.g. after
immunisation
Panic attack may occur in people who
have had a previous anaphylactic reaction,
if they think they have been exposed to the
same trigger
Breath-holding in children
Idiopathic urticaria or angioedema
Foreign body in the airway
Reaction to MSG or sulphites
Flushing due to menopause or drug
reactions (e.g. vancomycin)

BPJ | Issue 18 | 13
Treating anaphylaxis Recommended adrenaline dose1

Age group IM adrenaline mL of 1:1000

Adrenaline is the core treatment dose adrenaline

Adults and 0.5 mg 0.5 mL

Adrenaline (also called epinephrine) should be given children >12
immediately to all patients with life threatening features years
of anaphylaxis. 2 Adrenaline prevents and relieves
6 12 years 0.3 mg 0.3 mL
laryngeal oedema and circulatory collapse, provides
bronchodilation and reduces the release of histamine and 6 months 6 0.15 mg 0.15 mL
other mediators. years

<6 months 0.01 mg/kg 0.01 mL/kg

It is important not to give adrenaline inappropriately e.g.
for allergic reactions just involving the skin, vasovagal
reactions or panic attacks.1 However many cases of fatal The dose should be repeated at five minutes if there is no
anaphylaxis are caused as a result of the reaction not improvement. Further doses can be given at five to ten
being recognised and adrenaline not delivered promptly minute intervals according to response.1
enough or not used at all.1
Beta blockers reduce the efficacy of adrenaline. Patients
using beta blockers may need IV glucagon or atropine in
Intramuscular injection is used in most cases addition to adrenaline.
Intramuscular (IM) injection of adrenaline is usually the
most appropriate method of delivery in a primary care Use of adrenaline should not be withheld because of
setting.5 The best site for IM injection is the anterolateral adverse effects
aspect of the middle third of the thigh, ensuring that
the needle is long enough to reach the thigh muscle. IM Transient palpitations, tremor and pallor may occur after
adrenaline is not recommended after cardiac arrest has injection of adrenaline.6 More serious cardiovascular
occurred.1 effects (arrhythmia, myocardial infarction) may occur with
adrenaline overdose, an inadequately diluted dose or a
Intravenous (IV) use of adrenaline is usually reserved for too rapid rate of infusion. Elderly people and people with
the hospital setting for those experienced in its use. IV hypertension, arteriopathies or ischaemic heart disease
injection can be administered when there is no response have the highest risk of adverse effects. Adrenaline
to IM adrenaline and when cardiovascular collapse is should not be withheld but these groups of people should
impending. This should be given by controlled infusion be monitored more closely for cardiac effects. Note that
rather than a bolus.2 anaphylaxis itself also causes adverse cardiac events.2

Subcutaneous injection of adrenaline is not recommended Adrenaline in New Zealand is available in 1 in 1000
as absorption is slow and unreliable.5 Inhaled adrenaline (1 mL) or 1 in 10000 (10 mL) injection strengths. It
is also not recommended as there is insufficient delivery should be stored in a cool, dark place, but should not be
for treating anaphylaxis.1 refrigerated.

14 | BPJ | Issue 18
Other treatments for anaphylaxis
Signs and symptoms of mild to moderate
Fluids are given IV (adult 500-1000 mL, child 20 mL/ allergic reaction
kg). They can be given rapidly but monitor response. Give
further doses as necessary. A 0.9% saline solution is Swelling of lips, face or eyes
appropriate. Hives or welts

Tingling mouth
Oxygen is given using the highest concentration possible
and at a high flow (> 10 L/min1).1,4 Abdominal pain, vomiting

H1-antihistamines (e.g. loratadine or cetirizine) are Mild to moderate allergic reaction

sometimes used for anaphylaxis to down-regulate the If life-threatening respiratory and cardiovascular
allergic response and minimise the clinical impact of features of anaphylaxis are not present, but there
histamine release.4 H1-antihistamines may relieve itching, are other features of a systemic allergic reaction
hives, other cutaneous symptoms and rhinorrhoea. (e.g. skin changes, abdominal pain or vomiting), the
After oral administration, onset of action is one to two patient should be closely observed for deterioration
hours. First generation sedating antihistamines (e.g. and given symptomatic treatment such as oral
promethazine) should be avoided. IM preparations are antihistamines and if clinically indicated, oral steroids
not generally used. (e.g. prednisone 20 mg).

Corticosteroids may help to shorten reactions.

Recommended dose: Inject hydrocortisone slowly IV or IM.
Refer all patients with anaphylaxis to hospital
Adults 200 mg, children 6 12 years 100 mg, children
care
6 months to 6 years 50 mg, children less than 6 months
25 mg.1 All patients who have had an anaphylactic reaction should
be referred to hospital care and monitored and observed
Bronchodilators such as salbutamol (inhaled or IV), for up to 24 hours.1
ipratropium (inhaled) or aminophyline (IV) can be
considered for people with severe breathing difficulties.1 Situations in which the risk of recurrence of symptoms
(biphasic reaction) is higher include:1
H2-receptor antagonists (e.g. ranitidine) are also
Severe reactions which were slow in onset after
sometimes used in anaphylaxis, however there is little
exposure to the trigger
evidence to support their effectiveness.1, 4
Reactions in people who have severe asthma or with
a severe asthmatic component

Reactions in which the allergen may continue to be

absorbed

Previous history of biphasic reactions

Antihistamines and oral steroid therapy may be given for

up to three days after an anaphylactic reaction. This is
useful for treating any remaining symptoms (e.g. urticaria)
and may decrease the chance of further reaction.1 Long-
term use of antihistamines does not prevent anaphylaxis.

BPJ | Issue 18 | 15
Risk reduction are also addressed. Having an allergy can be debilitating
and restrictive and can affect well-being and quality of
life.9
After any anaphylactic reaction, consider referral for
identification of the trigger and implementation of a plan to GPs may also be asked to work with parents to help
reduce the risk of future reactions. There are only a small
1
educate the childs teachers or carers and provide relevant
number of allergy specialists and clinical immunologists medical information.
available via the public or private health systems in New
Zealand. In areas where allergy clinics or specialists are not Information and practical suggestions for avoiding
available, patients can be referred to paediatric, medical triggers, especially for food allergies, can be found online
or dermatology specialists. A list of allergy specialists can at the Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology
be found at www.allergy.org.nz and Allergy website (click on anaphylaxis resources):
www.allergy.org.au
Principles of long-term management: 7

Refer to a specialist for identification of triggers

Assessing and reducing risk
this may include allergy testing or food/drug
In some cases people may be able to easily avoid the
challenge.
trigger that puts them at risk of anaphylaxis e.g. a specific
Provide education about avoiding triggers drug or easily identifiable food such as shellfish. For
avoidance is the only means of prevention for many others, reducing their risk is not as easy.
causes of anaphylaxis.

Assess the risk of a recurrent reaction implement When the risk of anaphylaxis is not able to be easily
risk reduction measures. managed, safety measures such as carrying an adrenaline
auto-injector should be considered. An adrenaline auto-
Write up an emergency anaphylaxis action plan
injector is recommended for:
essential for first aid management.
People with a history of idiopathic reaction
Reassess regularly determine whether the allergy
is still present and review prevention strategies and People with continued risk from food or venom
first aid plans. related reactions which are difficult to avoid

People with known allergy who have concurrent

Identifying triggers asthma or ischaemic heart disease (increases risk
of severe reaction)
An allergy specialist or clinical immunologist may perform
People who live in remote areas
tests for allergen specific IgE (skin or blood tests) to help
confirm or exclude a trigger. Other methods of allergy EpiPen is the only type of auto-injector available in New
testing (e.g. hair analysis) are not recommended and may Zealand and is not funded.* In comes in 0.3 mg (for
provide unreliable or misleading results. 7
adults and children over 20 kg) and 0.15 mg doses (for
children 10 kg 20 kg) and can be ordered directly from
a distributor by the GP, purchased by the patient from
Education about avoiding triggers a pharmacy, or ordered over the internet. It is essential
Education about avoiding triggers is essential as this is
often the only effective measure to prevent an allergy.7 It is * Funding may be available from ACC for people with anaphylaxis due
important that concerns and anxieties about anaphylaxis to insect stings or bites

16 | BPJ | Issue 18
that patients and their families are shown how to use the
Regular review
device correctly. Practice auto-injectors may be useful
these devices do not contain adrenaline or a needle and Some food allergies can resolve with age e.g. allergy to
are usually available wherever auto-injectors are sold. dairy products, soy, wheat and egg, so children should be
reviewed regularly by a specialist to determine whether
A Medical Alert bracelet or emblem should also be the allergy is still present. This also includes people who
considered, especially for allergies to medicines and may have been incorrectly diagnosed. Unnecessary food
latex that need to be avoided in an emergency medical avoidance can adversely affect nutrition, particularly in
situation. children.7

For drug allergies, patient details should be submitted to Severe allergies to multiple foods and allergies to tree
the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) so nuts, peanuts or seeds are less likely to resolve. Allergy
information can be entered into the national patient alert to seafood, insect venom and medications is usually a
system. lifelong problem.7 However it is important that any allergy
is properly diagnosed.
Further risk reduction can be achieved by identifying
patients who have a food allergy and also have asthma GPs should regularly review action plans and provide re-
and ensuring that their asthma is well controlled. education on adrenaline auto-injector use, also checking
with the patient that the medication has not expired.
Any patient who has had a systemic reaction to insect venom
should be referred to a specialist who may recommend References
venom immunotherapy (desensitisation), which reduces 1. Soar J, Pumphrey R, Cant A, et al, Working group of the
Resuscitation Council (UK). Emergency treatment of anaphylactic
the risk of anaphylaxis with subsequent exposure.
reactions - guidelines for healthcare providers. Resuscitation
2008;77:157-69.

Anaphylaxis action plan 2. Sheikh A, Shehata Y, Brown S, Simons E. Adrenaline

(epinephrine) for the treatment of anaphylaxis with and without
An anaphylaxis emergency action plan is a written document
shock. Cochrane Database Sys Rev 2008(4):CD006312.
completed by the GP that includes information on allergic
3. Simons F, Sheikh A. Evidence-based management of
triggers, family contact details, signs and symptoms, and
anaphylaxis. Allergy 2007;62:827-8.
indicating when to call for medical assistance or use
4. Sheikh A, ten Broek V, Brown S, Simons E. H1-antihistamines for
an adrenaline auto-injector if available. As symptoms of
the treatment of anaphylaxis with and without shock. Cochrane
anaphylaxis often vary, it is important to have individual
Database Sys Rev 2007(1):CD006160.
action plans with specific instructions. Copies of action
5. Simons F, Roberts J, Gu X, Simons K. Epinephrine absorption in
plans should be kept by the patient, GP, allergy specialist
adults: intramuscular versus subcutaneous injection. J Allergy
and school/workplace.
Clin Immunol 1998;101:33-7.

6. Simons F. Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis: Revised

Action plans for anaphylaxis that can be completed UK guidelines are a concise evidence based resource. BMJ
by doctors for their patients are available online from 2008;336:1141-2.
the Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology
7. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).
and Allergy (click on anaphylaxis resources):
Anaphylaxis training resources. New South Wales, Australia,
www.allergy.org.au 2005.

BPJ | Issue 18 | 17
Unusual cases of Anisakis in the South Pacific

anaphylaxis in New Anisakis simplexis is a parasite found in many New Zealand

fish species and is able to infect humans.4 The main risk

Zealand factor for infection is eating raw or partially cooked fish.5

Occupational exposure in fish workers has also been
Contributed by Dr Richard Steele documented. The acute illness is usually self limiting with
severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.5

Pancake anaphylaxis In New Zealand, allergic reactions to Anisakis are

Storage mites, of which multiple species are present in predominantly seen in those of Pacific Island origin. The
New Zealand, are microscopic insects that are found in patient usually presents with acute reaction (urticaria,
stored grains (e.g. wheat and corn). Sensitisation to these angioedema and anaphylaxis) after eating infected
mites is associated with worsening symptoms of asthma, seafood. Skin and specific IgE testing to seafood is
eczema and rhinitis as well as anaphylaxis.1 Sensitisation usually negative. Specific IgE to Anisakis is available in
is most common in people living in humid environments New Zealand, and this is usually positive. Confusion can
and living near or working in grain storage facilities due to arise as the reaction after ingestion of Anisakis tends to
increased exposure to the mite. be more delayed compared to other reactions to food.

Anaphylaxis to storage mite is also called pancake Management is essentially similar to other forms of
anaphylaxis, as it usually presents in patients who have anaphylaxis. Patients should be advised to avoid all fish
eaten homemade baked goods made of flour that has and cephalopods (e.g. octopus, squid). Crustaceans (e.g.
been stored at home for a prolonged period of time.2 prawns, shrimps) and shellfish can usually be eaten.
Most patients have a history of atopy.3 Skin prick test or Avoidance is problematic as the reactions to fish usually
specific IgE to house dust mite is an important clue as only occur intermittently depending upon whether there
most patients are positive due to the high cross-reactivity is infestation. Eating fish may be an important part of life
between storage and house dust mite. Many of the patients for the patient and therefore education and negotiation is
are also sensitive to aspirin.3 The mites can be identified very important. If the patient elects to eat fish, the risks
through microscopic examination of the ingredient in are likely to be reduced by suggesting that only the flesh
question, although experience is required to do this and (muscle) of the fish be eaten. Whole fish and the abdominal
is limited in New Zealand. contents of the fish should be avoided. Fish should be
obtained from fresh sources, and should be gutted quickly
Management can be problematic and is not evidence to avoid contamination of the muscle. Heating the fish
based. Patients are usually counselled to avoid to 60C or freezing to 20C (for at least 48 hours) is
homemade food containing flour.3 They are also advised also recommended. Although the dead parasites remain
to eat foods from commercial sources where the turnover allergenic after freezing this process is likely to reduce
of ingredients is much shorter and ingredients are the risk of anaphylaxis.6 Fresh water fish are much
less likely to become contaminated with mites. less likely to be parasitized unless they have
All grains and flour stored at home should be been fed untreated fish waste. Injectable
kept in sealed containers in the fridge and adrenaline should be offered to those at
for a short period of time. risk of further exposure.

18 | BPJ | Issue 18
Food dependant exercise induced anaphylaxis
are NSAIDs, particularly aspirin.10
(FDEIA)
COX-2 inhibitors have been
FDEIA is another form of anaphylaxis that can easily be reported not to lower the threshold
missed. It requires two triggers; the ingestion of foods or for anaphylaxis.10 Other reported
drugs followed by some from of exercise. The symptoms triggers included the strength/duration/
can vary from mild rhinitis/urticaria to severe anaphylaxis. type of exercise, timing after food ingestion, alcohol,
The history of exercise can be missed, as it can be triggered, atmospheric/seasonal conditions, fatigue, sleep, infection,
for example, by a vigorous walk. It is more common in stress, house dust mite ingestion11 and menstruation.
children, and men are affected more than women. About
40% of cases have atopy.7 The mechanisms for FDEIA are Management focuses on patient education. If a particular
unknown but may involve release of mediators during food can be pinpointed, then it should be avoided between
exercise which reduce the threshold of mast cells to four to six hours prior to any exercise. In many cases the
activate and increased absorption of allergens from the combination of factors cannot be fully elucidated and
GI tract.8 some patients will react regardless of the food eaten. In
this situation all food should be avoided four to six hours
The most common food trigger is wheat9 but a variety of prior to exercise. This may not be possible for a particular
other food allergens have also been implicated. Skin and patient and therefore fitting this advice into a particular
specific IgE testing can be helpful in giving a clue to the lifestyle and clinical presentation is needed. Patients
suspected allergen, however the gold standard test is to should be advised to carry both injectable adrenaline and
ingest the food in question and exercise under medical antihistamines. Antihistamines are potentially useful as
supervision. This is clearly not without risk and in practice a prophylactic measure or to treat non-life-threatening
in New Zealand this is usually not performed. In addition, problems such as urticaria and angioedema, but should
challenge tests are resource intensive and can only not take the place of adrenaline in the event of anaphylaxis.
confirm the diagnosis of FDEIA in up to 70% of patients. Patients should also be encouraged to exercise with
others and in areas where medical help is accessible. It
More recently it has been shown that a combination of foods, is important to stress that most of these patients can be
drugs and other factors maybe required to precipitate a managed effectively and should be encouraged to exercise
reaction. The most important groups of drugs to consider as part of a healthy lifestyle.

References
1. Marcos Bravo C, Luna Ortiz I, Outon A, et al. Allergy to storage 7. Harada S, Horikawa T, Icihashi M. [A study of food-dependent
mites. Allergy 1999;54(7):769-70. exercise-induced anaphylaxis by analyzing the Japanese
cases reported in the literature]. Arerugi = [Allergy]
2. Blanco C, Quiralte J, Castillo R, et al. Anaphylaxis after ingestion
2000;49(11):1066-73.
of wheat flour contaminated with mites. J Allergy Clin Immun
1997;99(3):308-13. 8. Matsuo H, Morimoto K, Akaki T, et al. Exercise and aspirin
increase levels of circulating gliadin peptides in patients with
3. Sanchez-Borges M, Capriles-Hulett A, Fernandez-Caldas E, et al.
wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Clin Exp Allergy
Mite-contaminated foods as a cause of anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin
2005;35(4):461-6.
Immun 1997;99(6 Pt 1):738-43.
9. Morita E, Kunie K, Matsuo H. Food-dependent exercise-induced
4. Wharton D, Hassall M, Aalders O. Anisakis (Nematoda) in
anaphylaxis. J Derm Sci 2007;47(2):109-17.
some New Zealand inshore fish. N Z J Marine Freshwater Res
1999;33:643-8. 10. Aihara M, Miyazawa M, Osuna H, et al. Food-dependent
exercise-induced anaphylaxis: influence of concurrent aspirin
5. Foti C, Fanelli M, Mastrandrea V, et al. Risk factors for sensitization
administration on skin testing and provocation. Brit J Dermatology
to Anisakis simplex: a multivariate statistical evaluation.
2002;146(3):466-72.
International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology
2006;19(4):847-51. 11. Sanchez-Borges M, Iraola V, Fernandez-Caldas E, et al. Dust mite
ingestion-associated, exercise-induced anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin
6. Moneo I, Caballero ML, Rodriguez-Perez R, et al Sensitisation to
Immunol 2007;120(3):714-6.
the fish parasite Anisakis simplex: clinical and laboratory aspects.
Parasitology Res 2007;101(4):1051-5.

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