Newswise — Many of the approximately 1,500 deaths in the U.S. each year due to anaphylaxis, a sudden serious allergic reaction, could be prevented if more people knew the symptoms and the immediate treatment needed to survive.
To increase awareness of anaphylaxis, Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) have partnered to bring the Anaphylaxis Community Experts (ACE) educational program to 150 communities throughout the U.S. The ACE program is supported by Dey Pharma, LP.
“The first line of treatment is early administration of epinephrine. Most fatalities from anaphylaxis occur outside the home, especially when treatment is delayed,” says allergist David Khan, MD, ACAAI program chair. “Our goal is to show parents, teachers, school nurses, emergency responders and others how to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis symptoms the moment they begin. Our goal is to save lives.”
Anaphylaxis is a rapid-onset, whole-body, potentially life-threatening, allergic reaction. It can happen to anyone at any time, but is more commonly experienced among people with risk factors. There are three major risk factors for fatal anaphylaxis:• Allergic reaction to food, stinging insects or medications• Presence or history of asthma symptoms• Delay in administration of epinephrine
The affected person may experience cardiovascular shock and/or serious respiratory compromise.
“If you or someone you know experiences anaphylaxis, ask: what caused the allergic reaction? The answer may not be what you think. See an allergist. Get a strategy and reduce anxieties associated with anaphylaxis,” says Nancy Sander, AANMA president and founder. “Forty-seven states protect students’ rights to carry and use auto-injectable epinephrine. We’ve created resources to help them and families coordinate students’ needs.”
Every child at risk should have an anaphylaxis action plan on file with all schools and caregivers. The plan should list symptoms; state that immediate action can be life-saving and outline what to do in order of importance.
The ACE program will be presented in 150 communities by teams of local allergists and laypersons. ACE program objectives are to:
• Help patients, families and healthcare professionals identify who is at risk, and recognize signs and symptoms of life-threatening allergic reactions• Recommend that auto-injectable epinephrine, the first line of treatment, be administered immediately once the symptoms have been identified, followed by emergency medical attention at the nearest hospital• Develop prevention models that: o Promote identification and avoidance of allergens o Encourage patients with a history of anaphylaxis to consult with an allergist routinelyo Provide an Anaphylaxis Action Plan to patients who are at risk of anaphylaxiso Refer patients with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis to an allergist, support organizations and educational programs
To learn more about the symptoms and treatment of anaphylaxis visit www.aanma.org/anaphylaxis and www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
About AANMA
Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics is the leading national nonprofit family organization dedicated to eliminating death and suffering due to asthma, allergies and related conditions. AANMA’s core areas of expertise are education, advocacy and outreach. The organization’s www.aanma.org website and award-winning publications, Allergy & Asthma Today magazine and The MA Report online newsletter, are consumer lifelines to medical news and healthy living.
For more information, call 800.878.4403 or visit www.aanma.org. You can also follow AANMA on Twitter and Facebook and on the Take A Weekly Breather blog (http://aanmablog.blogspot.com).
About ACAAIThe American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, IL, that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related healthcare professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.
To learn more about allergies and asthma, find an allergist and take an online test to gauge symptoms, visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org. Follow ACAAI on Facebook and Twitter.
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