Anaphylaxis (Chemical Immunology and Allergy)

Anaphylaxis is the most dramatic and potentially life-threatening manifestation of an immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction. Although known for over 100 years, it still poses many unresolved questions, and its practical management and acute treatment are often more empiric in nature than evidence-based. In this book, a multidisciplinary group of experts review the state of the art in the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and clinical symptomatology of anaphylaxis. Its etiology with regard to different elicitors such as insect venoms, radiocontrast media, analgesics, general and local anesthetics is examined in detail. Finally, treatment modalities for anaphylaxis are discussed both for acute reactions and as general management recommendations for patients at risk. Providing thorough and up-to-date coverage of this frequently underestimated problem, this book is of interest not only to allergologists and immunologists, but also to all physicians and affected patients.