Nearly one in three U.S. adults reported having an allergy in 2021. Symptoms of allergies may be as mild as coughing, sneezing and congestion or as severe as anaphylaxis.
What Is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause a rapid pulse, constricted airways, trouble breathing and more.
Due to the severity of anaphylaxis, proper and immediate treatment is necessary to ensure the safety of those experiencing it. In December of 2023, the Joint Task Force for Proactive Parameters (JTFPPP) offered new recommendations for the treatment of anaphylaxis. Let’s take a look at a few key guidelines they recommend.
An Overview of New Anaphylaxis Guidelines
The new recommendations for recognizing and treating anaphylaxis focused on seven areas, including:
1. Diagnosis
The guidelines state the importance of accurate diagnosis of anaphylaxis and detail attempts to create universally accepted definitions for different types of anaphylactic reactions.
2. Infants and Toddlers
New guidelines assert that anaphylaxis is unlikely to be the first allergic reaction a child or toddler has to an allergen. Children may instead display age-specific reactions that are uncommon in older children or adults.
3. Epinephrine Autoinjectors (EAIs)
The use of EAIs is the most common and effective treatment for anaphylaxis. The guidelines recommend that patients, caregivers and medical staff receive training in the proper use of EAI devices, including when and how to use them and whether emergency medical services are required after administering the epinephrine shot.
4. Community Settings
The guidelines recommend that patients with a high risk of anaphylaxis, as well as their caregivers, should receive counseling regarding the use of EAIs and the recognition and avoidance of their allergens. Additionally, childcare centers and schools should implement staff training in the use of EAIs and the recognition of anaphylaxis symptoms, as well as keep a stock of EAIs in their medical care kits.
5. Beta-Blockers and Ace Inhibitors
Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors have been considered dangerous for patients with a high risk of anaphylaxis, but new guidelines suggest that the risk of not administering beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors may be more severe than the risk of anaphylaxis in some cases. This means that beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors must be considered on a case-by-case basis.
6. Mast Cell Disorders
Mast cell disorders are often associated with a greater risk for anaphylaxis. New treatments are under investigation to prevent anaphylaxis in patients with mast cell disorders who are at high risk for recurring anaphylaxis.
7. Anaphylaxis During and After Surgery
The guidelines recommend that skin or blood tests be conducted when possible and necessary to determine sensitivity to medicines, anesthesia or other substances used during or after surgery to prevent repeated anaphylaxis.
To learn more about managing your allergic reactions and preventing anaphylaxis, contact ENT of Georgia North today to make an appointment with one of our allergy specialists.
