immune disorders
Anaphylactic Reactions
Diagnosis of Anaphylactic Reactions
A doctor's evaluation Sometimes blood tests The diagnosis of anaphylactic reactions is usually obvious based on symptoms such as the following: Symptoms of shock (such as low blood pressure, confusion, cold and sweaty skin, and a weak and rapid pulse) Respiratory symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, a gasping sound when breathing in, and wheezing) Two or more other symptoms of possible anaphylaxis (such as angioedema, hives, and nausea or other digestive symptoms) Because symptoms can quickly become life threatening, treatment is begun immediately, without waiting for tests to be done. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors may do blood tests to measure certain substances that increase soon after an anaphylactic reaction. However, these tests are usually unnecessary. 