Anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is the most urgent and potentially serious manifestation of allergic disease. The term anaphylaxis must be used to describe consequenses of Ig E-mediated release of potent biologically active substances, upon a given target organ, and may includes: upper respiratory obstruction, bronchospam and shock. Sometimes the clinical syndrome of systemic anaphylaxis is due to a non-Ig E mediated stimulation, called anaphylactoid reaction. Both of them requires prompt recognition of symptoms and aggressive therapeutic intervention, for a successful management.