Abstract
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction characterised by rapidly developing life-threatening airway, breathing and/or circulation problems usually associated with skin and mucosal changes. Updated guidance on the recognition, acute management and follow up of adults with anaphylaxis has recently been published. This is a concise version of the full guidelines published by the Resuscitation Council (UK) in 2008. The use of an airway, breathing, circulation, disability and exposure approach to recognise and treat anaphylaxis is emphasised.