Many patients know that epinephrine injections are the best way to stop an anaphylactic reaction, but most are hesitant to use one right away EMS crews, as well, may receive different sets of instructions as to how to care for a patient in anaphylaxis, depending on the state they are operating in More needs to be done to clarify and streamline the advice given to patients and health care professionals FRIDAY, Oct. 25, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Anaphylaxis involves a sudden, potentially life-threatening reaction to an allergen, including even very small amounts of food allergens such as egg or peanut. Now, two studies find that people with allergies, as well as those charged with their care, are often unsure what to do when anaphylaxis strikes, and how soon.
Too often, patients were hesitant to get emergency help when needed, and another study found protocols for EMS crews responding to anaphylaxis varied widely from state to state. “Many EMS anaphylaxis protocols are incomplete and/or outdated,” said Dr. Carly Gunderson , who led the EMS study.
“The discrepancies include variations in the definition of anaphylaxis as well as in treatment.” Gunderson is an allergy and immunology specialist at Memorial Healthcare System in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Both studies were presented Thursday at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Boston.
One study found that patients were often unsure of what constitutes an anaphylactic reaction, .
