Anaphylaxis (Pediatric) Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

Vasovagal (vasodepressor) reaction is the condition most commonly confused with anaphylaxis. It is characterized by pallor, hypotension, weakness, nausea and vomiting, absence of bronchospasms and other breathing difficulties, bradycardia (although may occur in anaphylaxis), and absence of urticaria.    

Alternative diagnoses include:

• Septic or hypovolemic shock
• Psychiatric disorders (eg vocal cord dysfunction syndrome, panic attacks or hyperventilation syndrome)
• Postprandial syndromes (eg scombroid poisoning)
• Hereditary angioedema
• Asthma exacerbation
• Foreign body aspiration
• Trauma, child abuse
• Endocrinological diseases (eg hypoglycemia, thyrotoxic crisis)
• Other cardiovascular or respiratory events