[Anaphylactic shock. From prevention to treatment].

Anaphylactic shock is a severe condition resulting from circulatory failure induced by a foreign agent introduced into the organism. True anaphylactic shock, with an immunological component, should be distinguished from anaphylactic shock and anaphylactoid shock related to non-specific release of mediators. There is a large spectrum of clinical manifestations, but the sudden onset, the potential gravity and the extreme sensitivity to epinephrine comprise the three main characteristics of circulatory collapse. Search for the responsible agent is essential when faced with an episode of anaphylactic shock in order to take effective preventive measures.