FRIDAY, Nov. 9 (HealthDay News) -- The number of emergency room
visits and hospitalizations caused by a life-threatening allergic
reaction called anaphylaxis could be reduced if people with
allergies took proper preventive measures, according to a new
study.
Anaphylaxis can occur as a result of food and drug allergies or
insect bites and stings.
Researchers looked at nearly 12,000 people who went to an
emergency department or were hospitalized due to anaphylaxis
between 2002 and 2008. Twenty-five percent of the patients had
severe anaphylaxis.
The patients were less likely to have filled a prescription for
lifesaving epinephrine or to have seen an allergist in the previous
year, according to the study, which was presented at the American
College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) annual meeting in
Anaheim, Calif.
"When you have an anaphylactic reaction, epinephrine is important for managing life-threatening symptoms," study author Sunday Clark, assistant professor of emergency medicine and public health at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, said in an ACAAI news release.
"Allergic people at risk should always carry two doses of epinephrine and regularly see an allergist to prevent severe allergic reactions that require hospitalization," Clark advised.
"Although symptoms may not always be severe, allergies are serious and, in some cases, deadly," ACAAI president Dr. Stanley Fineman said in the news release. "Allergies can be effectively controlled with proper diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified allergist that involves more than just relieving symptoms, but finding the source of the suffering."
The ACAAI suggests that people who have had anaphylaxis in the
past should:
- Wear a medical bracelet that lists the allergy that causes
anaphylaxis.
- Avoid allergens that trigger anaphylaxis.
- Have an emergency plan that outlines what to do if you
unexpectedly come into contact with your trigger, and teach your
family and friends how to help you if you begin to have
anaphylaxis.
- Carry emergency epinephrine with you at all times if it's been
prescribed for you.
More information
The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia has more about
anaphylaxis.