In anaphylaxis, which symptom indicates airway involvement requiring urgent management?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Anxious
• C. Urticaria
• D. Stridor

Answer: (D)

Airway involvement in anaphylaxis shows up as signs of upper airway obstruction. Stridor is the audible sign of this narrowing, usually from edema of the larynx or surrounding structures, meaning the airway is compromised and needs urgent management. This is why stridor is the best indicator in this scenario. Urticaria and anxiety are common in anaphylaxis but don’t by themselves indicate airway compromise, and hypertension isn’t a marker of airway obstruction. When stridor is present, act quickly to secure the airway and administer appropriate emergency treatment (such as prompt epinephrine and airway support).