The Management of Pediatric Allergic Emergencies

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is a dangerous condition that must be treated quickly. The prevalence is on the rise, and the diagnosis requires a low index of suspicion in someone experiencing the typical constellation of symptoms involving more than one body system after exposure to a possible allergen. Treatment involves the administration of intramuscular epinephrine before consideration of any other modalities. While treatment of anaphylaxis with epinephrine always comes first, specific laboratory tests including serum tryptase and directed specific IgE tests can be considered to help aid in the diagnosis. Finally, every patient who experiences anaphylaxis should be discharged with injectable epinephrine and an emergency action plan.

Keywords: Anaphylaxis, Drug Allergy, Epinephrine, Food Allergy, Histamine, Tryptase, Venom Allergy.

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