Abstract
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has widespread use and, while initially thought to be inert, has proven to be immunogenic. We discuss the case of a 37-year-old female patient who was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after sustaining a cardiac arrest in the community. Fifteen minutes after ingestion of PEG, she developed hand swelling, which over minutes progressed to difficulty with breathing and swallowing. The Allergy service was consulted. Anaphylaxis was suspected by the presentation and confirmed after detailed exposure and ingestion history, along with an acute tryptase rise. Allergy to PEG was confirmed by skin testing in the outpatient allergy clinic after the patient was discharged from the hospital.