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Anaphylaxis with bronchospasm — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyMedical EmergenciesAnaphylaxis with bronchospasmDipIMC

A 28-year-old woman has sudden dyspnoea and wheeze after eating shellfish. She has widespread urticaria but blood pressure is 120/76 and saturations are 95% on air. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Give IM adrenaline because airway or breathing features are present

Anaphylaxis is diagnosed when sudden illness after exposure includes life-threatening airway, breathing or circulation features; hypotension is not required. IM adrenaline is first-line and should not wait for deterioration. Salbutamol may be an adjunct for wheeze but is not a replacement for adrenaline. The pearl is that normal blood pressure does not exclude anaphylaxis.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Anaphylaxis Guidance 2021; JRCALC Guidelines 2025