[cva66snipe]

As an E.D. physician I can tell anaphylaxis is much more prevelent than reported. It is unfortunate that injectable epinephrine is underprescribed. Physicians often wait for cardiovascular or respiratory symptoms. A systemic reaction may be as mild as a nausea. they may be no hives present. Also 35% of pt's who need self injectable epinephrine will need a second dose. ANYONE WHO HAS ANY TYPE OF ANAPHYLACTIC HISTORY SHOULD CARRY AT LEAST 2 EPINEPHRINE DOSE'S WITH THEM AT ALL TIME Parents make sure your kids have 2 doses at home at school day care etc.. 90% of pt's who die from anaphylaxis did not have epinephrine available.

this story is a classic example of no matter how much you try to avoid your allergen its not always possible no matter how much you try.

I had a large exposure to mold this summer. I knew as a kid I was allergic to it and took shots. When I had the exposure this time due to a leaking roof I found out I had Asthma to go with the allergy. I went back to an allergy doctor for testing and he started the shots. Since I was allergic {excessive localized swelling} to bee stings he did testing for that also. This summer I was carrying two inhalers and the epipen kit every where I went. Hopefully by next spring I'll be pretty well desensitized to stings at least. Doctor also recommended carrying an OTC Primatine inhaler in case I got stung. He said use the pen then inhale up to the whole cylinder if breathing became compromised. Most allergies are treatable to the point a reaction can be eliminated or somewhat limited but there are exceptions.

One thing I don't understand though is ER's switch from using Benadryl injections to Vistarl {sp} injection for hives. As a teenager with hives I was given Benadryl. Now the past few times have been Visrarl which is not near as effective and I end up taking the dreaded Prednisone as well. The only thing I can think of would be Benadryl may be more of a risk for adverse reactions?

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

Epinephrine is the only thing which will save you in a life threatening allergic reaction. Primatine mist is actually inhaled epinephrine but its dosing is not high enough for a grown adult off the top of my head its .22 mcg per dose? While I am not your M.D. If you have ANY systemic reaction epi should be your first line of defense. Benadryl will not save your life. And dont carry one epi pen always have 2!! 35% will need a second dose.

I dont want to sound preachy but Anaphylaxis is so underdiagnosed and incredibly tragic.