Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology
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Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol · Jun 2005
ReviewEmergency management of food allergy: systems perspective.
Food-related allergic reactions are the leading cause of anaphylactic reactions treated in the emergency department, accounting for approximately 30 000 emergency department visits each year, and 150-200 deaths. The purpose of this review is to examine current research on food-related allergic reactions in the emergency department, and to provide suggestions for how to improve emergency department management. ⋯ Concordance with suggested guidelines for the treatment of severe acute allergic reactions remains poor. Development of a simple, clinical definition of food-related anaphylaxis is needed to improve emergency management. Dissemination of guidelines for the emergency management of anaphylaxis, and creation of systems to implement these guidelines, are essential for the improved treatment of food-related allergic reaction and anaphylaxis in the emergency department.
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Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol · Jun 2005
ReviewTreatment of asthma during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.
Asthma is the most common, potentially serious medical problem to complicate pregnancy. Women with asthma have been shown to be at increased risk of complications during pregnancy. Managing asthma during pregnancy is unique because the effect of both the illness and the treatment on the developing fetus as well as the patient must be considered. This review summarizes the recent studies addressing the effects of asthma or asthma medications on perinatal outcomes, including the 2004 Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. ⋯ The prevalence of asthma in pregnant women appears to be increasing. Recent evidence supports that pregnant women with moderate to severe asthma may have an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. The goal of asthma management during pregnancy is to optimize maternal and fetal health.