Abstract

SILVA, Diana; GASPAR, Ângela; COUTO, Mariana  and  MORAIS-ALMEIDA, Mário. Anaphylaxis at pediatric age: From infancy to adolescence. Rev Port Imunoalergologia [online]. 2013, vol.21, n.3, pp.157-175. ISSN 0871-9721.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction and its prevalence has been increasing, especially in children. Clinical manifestation of anaphylaxis, vary accordingly to age group and throughout the children’s growth. Food allergy is the commonest cause of anaphylaxis in children, especially in preschooler age. Hymenoptera venom and drug induced -anaphylaxis can also occur, but are more frequently encountered in scholar age and during adolescence. Consensual diagnostic criteria, adapted to all age groups, have been established; however anaphylaxis is still under diagnosed and not properly treated, especially in the pediatric age group. Adrenaline, the first line treatment of anaphylaxis, is commonly not used or its administration is delayed, which poses an important risk of more severe reaction in this age group. Allied to the lack of clinical recognition, there is also a delay in the allergist referral and in the diagnostic work -up to identify the causal allergen. This diagnosis delay prevents the appropriate prophylactic measures to avoid a reaction and also in the management of future reactions. The allergist has an essential role in the proper follow-up of these patients, monitoring the change of symptoms throughout the growth, during the change to a new environment, namely school, and in the progressive autonomy acquisition of the adolescent. The appropriate identification and notification of anaphylaxis in children will be crucial for future analysis, and for obtaining the best and more adapted medical care to this age group.

Keywords : Adrenaline; anaphylaxis; children; epidemiology; teenager.

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