Anaphylactic Shock: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate anaphylaxis:

Prodromal signs (precursors) of anaphylaxis:

  • Burning sensation on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or genital area.
  • Metallic taste
  • Cephalgia (headache)
  • Anxiety, inner restlessness, disorientation.

Rapid onset of symptoms (a few minutes to hours) after allergen contact.

Symptoms and complaints of anaphylaxis

Skin Gastrointestinal tract(gastrointestinal tract) Respiratory tract(respiratory organs) Cardiovascular system
  • Pruritus (itching)
  • Flush (redness occurring in fits and starts).
  • Urticaria (hives)
  • Angioedema (bulging elastic swellings (eg, in the facial area: lip, cheeks, forehead) that appear suddenly and disfigure the appearance).
  • Nausea (sickness)
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Defecation (bowel movement)
  • Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
  • Hoarseness
  • Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
  • Laryngeal edema(swelling of the larynx)
  • Bronchospasm(Cramping of the bronchi).
  • Cyanosis(blue discoloration of the skin)
  • Respiratory arrest
  • Tachycardia(too fast heartbeat: > 100 heartbeats/min):increase ≥ 20/min.
  • Hypotension(low blood pressure):fall ≥ 20 mmHg systolic.
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Shock
  • Circulatory arrest

If necessary, see also to “Symptoms – Complaints ” under.

  • Food allergy / symptoms – complaints
  • Insect bite/symptoms – symptoms
  • Drug allergy / symptoms – complaints

Anaphylaxis in insect venom allergy and mastocytosis.

  • Absence of angioedema and erythema (areal redness of the skin) (typical).
  • Cardiovascular symptoms such as hypotension and loss of consciousness are in the foreground

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate anaphylactic shock:

Leading symptoms

  • Hypotension (drop in blood pressure), systolic < 100 mmHg.
  • Tachycardia (pulse rate > 100 beats/min).

Possible accompanying symptoms

  • Dyspnea (shortness of breath), dysphonia (hoarseness), airway obstruction (airway narrowing).
  • Disturbances of consciousness
  • Paleness
  • Chest tightness (stenocardia/angina pectoris/cardiac congestion: seizure-like thoracic or retrosternal pain (chest pain or pain localized behind the breastbone (sternum)).
  • Thirst
  • Neck vein congestion
  • Skin symptoms such as redness, wheals, etc.
  • Cold sweat
  • Oliguria – decreased urine output (max 500 ml/day).
  • Palpitations (heart stuttering)
  • Vertigo (dizziness)
  • Tachypnea? increased respiratory rate
  • Central cyanosis? Blue discoloration of the skin and central mucous membranes/tongue.

The major risk factors for a severe allergic reaction are:

  • Older age
  • Concomitant mastocytosis – disease characterized by excessive proliferation of mast cells; mast cells are cells of the body’s defense system that have stored messenger substances, including histamine.
  • Medications: Beta blockers, ACE inhibitors.