9
Table 6. Factors That Can Increase the Risk for an
Anaphylactic Event, Increase Its Severity, or
Complicate Its Treatment
Factor Comment
Mastocytosis Events due to mastocytosis are characterized by more frequent
and more severe cardiovascular manifestations
Age • The elderly are at risk because of comorbidities and increased
use of medications
• Infants are at risk because manifestations might not be detected
• Teenagers are at risk because of "risky behavior"
Asthma Presence of asthma clearly increases the risk of fatal events and
can increase the frequency of events
Atopy It is clear that atopy increases risk because patients with atopy are
at risk for food allerg y, but they also appear to be at risk for events
in general. For example, they are at risk for events owing to the
administration of radiocontrast material.
Drugs Numerous drugs can increase the risk for a severe reaction and
can complicate therapy by interfering with or even accentuating
the action of epinephrine (see text)
Alcohol Impairs judgment and can diminish recognition of symptoms
Comorbidities Presence of cardiovascular disease has been shown to predispose
to fatalities, and it is probable that other chronic conditions such
as renal and pulmonary problems would do likewise
