Anaphylaxis Identification, management and prevention

作者：Laemmle Ruff Ingrid^*; O' Hehir Robyn; Ackland Michael; Tang Mimi L K

来源：Australian Family Physician, 2013, 42(1-2): 38-42.

• anaphylaxis
• allergy
• adrenaline

Background %26lt;br%26gt;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 %26lt;br%26gt;Objective %26lt;br%26gt;This article summarises current knowledge regarding the identification, management and prevention of anaphylaxis, highlighting risk minimisation strategies relevant to general practitioners. %26lt;br%26gt;Discussion %26lt;br%26gt;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.