A pre-hospital team is managing a 45-year-old male with a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting. He has developed widespread urticaria and angioedem...

Question

A pre-hospital team is managing a 45-year-old male with a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting. He has developed widespread urticaria and angioedema but maintains a blood pressure of 125/80 mmHg, has no respiratory compromise, and his only symptoms are itchy skin and swollen lips. Is this anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

This does not meet the criteria for anaphylaxis - it is an allergic reaction without systemic involvement (no respiratory or cardiovascular compromise); antihistamines and observation are appropriate

Answer

Yes - any allergic reaction with angioedema is anaphylaxis and requires IM adrenaline

Answer

No - this is not an allergic reaction at all

Answer

This is anaphylaxis and requires IV adrenaline immediately

Answer

Yes - urticaria plus angioedema always constitutes anaphylaxis

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Allergic Reaction vs Anaphylaxis