Median time intervals of different anaphylaxes

Q: What is the median time interval between onset of symptoms and respiratory or cardiac arrest in iatrogenic anaphylaxis? (select one)

A) 5 minutes 

B) 15 minutes 

C) 30 minutes 

Answer: A

Although every human is different, at least one study found the ballpark figure of different median time interval between onset of symptoms and respiratory or cardiac arrest:

• iatrogenic anaphylaxis - 5 minutes
• stinging insect venom-induced anaphylaxis - 15 minutes
• food-induced anaphylaxis - 30 minutes

This is a good reminder for clinicians who encounter in-patient anaphylaxes.

#allergy

Reference:

Pumphrey RS. Lessons for management of anaphylaxis from a study of fatal reactions. Clin Exp Allergy 2000; 30:1144.