Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Laemmle-Ruff, Ingrid
• O'Hehir, Robyn
• Ackland, Michael
• Tang, Mimi L K

Titel

Anaphylaxis: Identification, management and prevention

Ist Teil von

• Australian family physician, 2013-01, Vol.42 (1/2), p.38-42

Ort / Verlag

Australia: Copyright Agency Limited (Distributor)

Erscheinungsjahr

2013

Quelle

Electronic Journals Library

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Background: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause death. In a similar trend to allergic conditions more broadly, anaphylaxis presentations are increasing in Australia. Objective: This article summarises current knowledge regarding the identification, management and prevention of anaphylaxis, highlighting risk minimisation strategies relevant to general practitioners. Discussion: The most common causes of anaphylaxis are medication, food and insect venom. Medications are the most common cause of anaphylaxis in older adults, particularly antibiotics, anaesthetic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates. Food allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children, but rarely results in death. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment with adrenaline, as well as ongoing management. Important steps for long-term risk minimisation include avoidance of triggers, prescription of an adrenaline autoinjector, maintenance of a personalised emergency action plan for anaphylaxis, education for patients and families and regular review to optimise management.