Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms

Involvement of body organ systems in anaphylaxis varies among patients, and even in the same patient from one reaction to another. However, there are general patterns regarding organ system involvement and respective signs and symptoms associated with anaphylaxis.5

Anaphylaxis symptoms involve several organ systems including the skin (80% to 90% of reactions), respiratory tract (70% of reactions), gastrointestinal tract (30% to 45% of reactions), cardiovascular system (10% to 45% of reactions), and central nervous system (10% to 15% of reactions) (Figure 1).5,6,8,9 Symptoms involving the throat, lung, or heart can potentially be life threatening and should not be ignored (Table 2).5,8,9

TABLE 2. Major organs and symptoms implicated in anaphylaxis5,8,9

ThroatLungHeart
  • Pruritus and tightness in the throat
  • Dysphonia
  • Hoarseness
  • Dyspnea
  • Chest tightness
  • Wheezing/bronchospasm
  • Chest pain
  • Hypotension
  • Tachycardia
  • Weak pulse
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting