Importantly, manifestations of anaphylaxis occur along a continuum and are dependent upon the type, route, and quantity of antigen exposure.
Cutaneous (90%), respiratory (40-70%), cardiovascular (30-35%), gastrointestinal (40%), neurologic (10%), ocular, and genitourinary symptoms can all be seen.
Include anaphylaxis in the differential of any patient with undifferentiated shock, as 10% will not manifest the cutaneous symptoms of urticaria and/or angioedema.
References
Winters ME. Anaphylaxis. In: Field JM (ed) The Textbook of Emergency Cardiovascular Care and CPR. Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009:530-7.
