Abstract
On behalf of the WAO Anaphylaxis Committee Anaphylaxis represents the severe end of the spectrum of allergic reactions. A number of different definitions for anaphylaxis are currently found in the literature (Table 1). 1-6 Many define anaphylaxis as a life-threatening reaction. However, data from large case series and patient registries have demonstrated that despite the fact that the vast majority of anaphylaxis reactions are not treated appropriately with prompt administration of epinephrine/adrenaline, in general this does not result in increased mortality or morbidity (such as hospitalization) 7-9 ; this observation is also consistent with national epidemiological data for food anaphylaxis, which indicate that fatal anaphylaxis is a rare (but unpredictable) event.