The diagnosis of anaphylaxis in the new International Classification of Diseases ICD-11

Anaphylaxis is a generalized allergic reaction or hypersensitivity reaction that is potentially life-threatening and can lead to death. Available epidemiological analyses on anaphylaxis are imprecise and in most cases underestimate the statistics. The lack of accurate mortality information makes it difficult to understand the impact of anaphylaxis on public health and the need for appropriate therapeutic interventions, including the availability, cost and use of epinephrine. The main change proposed in the new International Classification of Diseases ICD-11 was the creation of a separate section entitled “Allergic and hypersensitivity states” in the new chapter “Disorders of the immune system.” The design scheme of the subsection devoted to anaphylaxis allows for its greater recognition as a clinical problem requiring specific documentation and management, by combining all allergic diseases in one section. Additionally, based on the changes made to the ICD-11, the rules for coding causes of deaths by adding allergic conditions, including anaphylaxis, in official mortality statistics. This article describes the differences between the previously existing ICD-10 and ICD-11 classifications regarding anaphylaxis and outlines the advantages of the new classification.