Life-threatening severe allergic reactions: urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis

Urticaria, angioedema and anaphylaxis are life threatening skin diseases. Allergological emergencies are common; drugs, food, food ingredients/additives, insects, and many other factors have been reported to elicit anaphylactic reactions. The severity of symptoms ranges from pruritus to generalized skin eruptions, gastrointestinal, bronchial problems to systemic anaphylaxis and cardiovascular emergencies. The pathomechanisms and treatment of urticarias, angioedema and anaphylaxis are described. In some situations emergency kit: antihistamines, steroids, betamimetics and adrenaline is needed. Familiarity with the early diagnosis and correct management should be acknowledgeable for dermatologists to recognize these allergic reactions and must be prepared to administer emergency kit. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.