What are the key clinical features to recognize anaphylaxis in a primary care setting?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

To recognise anaphylaxis in a primary care setting, look for a severe, life-threatening, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction that develops rapidly .

Key clinical features involve problems across multiple body systems:

  • Airway: This includes pharyngeal or laryngeal oedema .
  • Breathing: Signs such as bronchospasm with tachypnoea .
  • Circulation: Manifestations like hypotension and/or tachycardia .
  • Skin and Mucosal Changes: In most cases, these are associated and can include erythema, urticaria, or angioedema ,.

The onset of these features is usually less than one hour after exposure to a suspected trigger . The Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure (ABCDE) approach is advised for recognising and managing people with suspected anaphylaxis .

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