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Review
. 2012 Dec;12(6):641-9.
doi: 10.1007/s11882-012-0284-1.

Anaphylaxis in children: current understanding and key issues in diagnosis and treatment

Chitra Dinakar  1
Affiliations
Review

Anaphylaxis in children: current understanding and key issues in diagnosis and treatment

Chitra Dinakar. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2012 Dec.

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. Since it is unpredictable and potentially fatal, prompt recognition and treatment are vital to maximize a positive outcome. The occurrence of anaphylaxis is increasing across all ages in the United States, with increased risk of worse outcome in teenagers/young adults and in those with comorbid conditions such as asthma. Gaps in the assessment of patient-specific risk factors, identification and prevention of triggers, recognition of signs/symptoms, and pharmacologic treatment of anaphylaxis have been identified at the physician and caregiver/patient level. A PubMed literature search (January 2000-December 2011) was conducted to identify publications on childhood anaphylaxis using the following terms: food allergy, food allergens, food hypersensitivity, epinephrine, epinephrine auto-injectors, anaphylactic triggers, and anaphylaxis. This review will critically appraise these key issues and highlight strategies that might result in improved management of anaphylaxis in children.

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