Anaphylaxis & Allergy

Also: allergic reaction · anaphylactic shock

Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid-onset allergic reaction and a medical emergency requiring immediate intramuscular adrenaline. Recognition and prompt treatment are life-saving.

The relevant tools, emergency drugs and pathways are gathered here.

Calculators & scores

Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7)

Urticaria

Decision pathways

Urticaria and Angioedema

BSACI / EAACI Guidelines 2022
Adult Upper Airway Obstruction (Stridor)

DAS 2015 unanticipated difficult airway; RCEM
Anaphylaxis Under Anaesthesia

AAGBI 2018; NAP6
Photodermatosis

BAD
Anaphylaxis Management

Resuscitation Council UK 2021; NICE CG134
Paediatric Anaphylaxis

RCPCH; RCOA; NICE — CG134

Drugs

Adrenaline (ICU — Vasopressor/Inotrope)

Catecholamine Vasopressor/Inotrope
Hydrocortisone (ICU — Stress Dosing)

Corticosteroid (ICU/Septic Shock)
Hydrocortisone (Topical)

Mild Topical Corticosteroid
Hydrocortisone butyrate

Potent topical corticosteroid
Hydrocortisone with chlorhexidine and nystatin

Topical mild steroid + antibacterial + antifungal
Hydrocortisone with clotrimazole

Topical mild steroid + antifungal
Hydrocortisone with fusidic acid

Topical mild steroid + antibacterial
Hydrocortisone with miconazole

Topical mild steroid + antifungal
Hydrocortisone with oxytetracycline

Topical mild steroid + tetracycline antibacterial
Benzyl benzoate with bismuth oxide, bismuth subgallate, hydrocortisone acetate, Peru balsam and zinc oxide

Topical haemorrhoidal preparation
Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

Vasopressor
Hydrocortisone

Corticosteroid

Decision support only. These tools are aggregated by topic to aid navigation — always apply clinical judgement and the relevant national or local guideline.