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Updated: May 4, 2026

Measuring Local Anaphylaxis in Mice
Published on: October 14, 2014
[Anaphylaxis: recognize and treat early]
Insights
Allergic emergencies like anaphylaxis are increasing in children. Caregivers need better training for rapid adrenaline use to improve outcomes and prevent fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Emergency Medicine
Context:
- Allergic emergencies in children, including anaphylaxis, are rising in frequency and unpredictability.
- Caregiver confidence and competence in managing anaphylaxis and administering adrenaline remain suboptimal despite existing guidelines.
Purpose:
- To enhance caregiver skills and standardize anaphylaxis management in pediatric patients.
- To propose a practical definition and a therapeutic strategy for anaphylaxis using the Ring grading system.
Summary:
- Anaphylaxis can lead to life-threatening conditions such as shock, bronchospasm, and airway angioedema.
- Early diagnosis and prompt intramuscular adrenaline administration are crucial for favorable prognosis, preventing cardiorespiratory failure.
- Biphasic reactions necessitate hospitalization (6-24 hours). Children must carry two adrenaline auto-injectors with instructions.
- Collaboration among healthcare providers and families is key for tailored education and allergen avoidance.
Impact:
- Improved recognition and management of pediatric anaphylaxis, potentially reducing mortality and morbidity.
- Standardized treatment protocols based on severity grading can lead to more consistent and effective care.
- Empowered caregivers equipped with knowledge and resources can respond more confidently and effectively during emergencies.
Abstract:
Allergic emergencies in children are now more frequent and unpredictable and can cause death by anaphylactic shock, bronchospasm, and airway angioedema. Despite the publication of recent guidelines, many studies show that caregivers are still not at ease with the management of anaphylaxis and intramuscular administration of adrenaline. The prognosis depends on the early diagnosis of anaphylaxis and adrenaline administration before cardiorespiratory failure. The biphasic course of anaphylaxis requires systematic hospitalization of at least 6–24 hours depending on severity. To prevent recurrence, each child with anaphylaxis should permanently be in possession of two unexpired self-injectable adrenaline devices with a demonstration and written instructions on its use. Close collaboration between emergency departments, allergist, and family is essential to adapt therapeutic education and allergen avoidance to the allergen identified. This article focuses on opportunities to improve the skills of caregivers and standardize the management of anaphylaxis by proposing a practical definition and a therapeutic strategy based on Ring grading of severity.
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