Anaphylaxis in children and young people

Anaphylaxis can be defined as a severe, generalised and multi-organ reaction (Grabenhenrich et al, 2016; Anagnostou and Turner, 2019). It is at the extreme end of the allergic spectrum and significant symptoms include: rapidly developing life-threatening airway, breathing and/or circulation problems (Grabenhenrich et al, 2016; Anaphylaxis Campaign, 2019). Frequently, these symptoms are connected with skin and mucosal changes. (See Box 1 for other common symptoms).

The presentation of signs and symptoms can vary greatly between individuals. There is a vast number of triggers that can cause anaphylaxis although those most commonly identified in Europe include food, drugs and venom (Grabenhenrich et al, 2016). Food is a particularly common trigger for children and young people (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2011a).