Anaphylaxis avoidance and management: educating patients and their caregivers

Abstract

Kirsi M Järvinen, Jocelyn CelestinDivision of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USAAbstract: Anaphylaxis is an increasingly prevalent problem in westernized countries. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the increasing numbers of patients at risk for anaphylaxis receive proper education on the etiology and risk factors as well as appropriate treatment of anaphylaxis with epinephrine. The physician's role is crucial in order to educate the patients and care takers on effective measures to prevent anaphylaxis and empower them to take charge of early recognition and proper management of an anaphylactic reaction to prevent poor outcomes. This review summarizes the clinical presentation, triggers, avoidance, and management of anaphylaxis.Keywords: food allergy, drug allergy, Hymenoptera, latex