[Management of anaphylaxis. Part 1: Causes and pathophysiology].

Anaphylactic reactions reveal the maximal grade of allergic reactions and are potentially life-threatening. The most common agents involved in anaphylactic reactions are drugs, food, Hymenoptera, aeroallergens, Latex, and physical stress. Anaphylactic reactions are induced by the liberation of various mediators. Symptoms are determined by the kind, quantity, and relation of these mediators and by the individual predisposition of the patient. In general, symptoms occur at the skin, the lungs, the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract. Early treatment of circulatory and pulmonary disturbances is decisive for the prognosis of the patient. Adequate therapy has to be given immediately according to the severity of symptoms in a step-wise approach. In the specific drug-therapy, a few substances have proved to be reliable, e.g. adrenalin, histamine antagonists, glucocorticosteroids, oxygen and volume substitutes. This article provides an overview of prevalence, symptoms and therapeutic options for managing anaphylaxis.