The clinical manifestations of anaphylaxis depend on the organs and systems affected, and are characterized by symptoms of shock, as well as symptoms of allergy to the affected system, such as respiratory obstruction, circulatory failure, neurological symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and skin and mucosal symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis usually occur within minutes to hours after exposure to the allergen, and are clinically characterized by a rapidly occurring and life-threatening respiratory and circulatory system, with or without associated skin mucosal changes.
1. Respiratory obstruction: Respiratory obstruction caused by edema and spasm of the larynx or bronchial tubes is the most common manifestation of the disease and the most important cause of death. Patients may experience laryngeal obstruction, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dyspnea, and asphyxia.
2. Circulatory failure: palpitation, pallor, sweating, rapid and weak pulse, cold extremities, drop in blood pressure and shock.
3. Neurological symptoms: dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, apathy or agitation, incontinence, convulsions, coma and so on.
4. Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, bowel sounds, abdominal colic or diarrhea.
5. Skin and mucous membrane symptoms: often the earliest and most frequent signs of anaphylaxis, including transient skin flushing, peripheral itching, numbness of the lips, tongue and extremity endings, followed by a variety of rashes, and angioneurotic edema can occur in severe cases.
Sneezing, watery nose, irritating cough and hoarseness may also occur. If the above clinical manifestations occur, timely medical treatment should be sought for emergency treatment.