Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Drug hypersensitivity reactions are a diverse group of reactions mediated by the immune system after exposure to a drug. The Gell and Coombs classification divides immunologic DHRs into 4 major pathophysiologic categories based on immunologic mechanism. ⋯ Other types of reactions are slow to develop and do not always require rapid treatment. Emergency physicians should have a good understanding of these various types of drug hypersensitivity reactions and how to approach the patient regarding evaluation and treatment.
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After treating the acute anaphylactic reaction, the clinician's next task is to prevent a recurrence. The patient should be observed in the ED. ⋯ The patient should also receive education on the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and avoiding triggers. The patient should follow-up with an allergy specialist who can confirm triggers and provide immunotherapy as indicated.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Feb 2022
ReviewEvaluation and Management of Food Allergies in the Emergency Department.
Food allergies are a common and serious cause of illness, accounting for an increasing number of emergency department visits annually. Although definite diagnosis lays outside of an emergency department visit, the clinical management of the most serious food allergies highlights emergency care. ⋯ The greatest threat remains undertreatment for this group of disorders and underutilization of epinephrine. Those who have been treated for a food allergy need a follow-up allergist evaluation, guidance of food avoidance, and avoidance of foods with cross-sensitivities as well as ready access to epinephrine.
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Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening, multisystem allergic reaction that can cause airway, breathing, or circulatory compromise. Intramuscular epinephrine is the immediate treatment of all patients. Intravenous epinephrine should be used in patients in shock, either as a bolus or infusion, along with fluid resuscitation. ⋯ For shock that is refractory to epinephrine, additional vasopressors may be needed. Disposition depends on patient presentation and response to treatment. Mandatory observation periods are not necessary, because biphasic reactions are difficult to predict and may occur outside of typical observation periods.
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The spondyloarthritides are a diverse group of distinct yet interrelated disease processes with overlapping clinical features. They are ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. ⋯ They manifest with axial and peripheral symptoms, such as inflammatory back pain, enthesitis, oligoarthritis, and dactylitis. The onset of symptoms can begin before the age of 45; however, because of the wide range of signs and symptoms, diagnosis can be delayed, leading to unchecked inflammation, structural damage, and later, restriction in physical mobility.