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Anaphylaxis Health Article

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Table of Contents
Definition Description Demographics Causes and symptoms When to call the doctor Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Prevention Parental concerns BOOKS ORGANIZATIONS WEB SITES
Author Info: Judith Sims, Thomson Gale, Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health, 2006
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Parental concerns

Parents caring for children who are at risk for life-threatening anaphylactic reactions may experience high stress levels, for they have to maintain vigilance in order to protect the child while creating a sense of normalcy as the child grows up. Parents can reduce their stress by using social support groups, accepting their childs condition, and maintaining a positive attitude.

KEY TERMS

Allergen—A foreign substance that provokes an immune reaction or allergic response in some sensitive people but not in most others.

Allergy—A hypersensitivity reaction in response to exposure to a specific substance.

Epinephrine—A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. It is important in the response to stress and partially regulates heart rate and metabolism. It is also called adrenaline.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)—A type of protein in blood plasma that acts as an antibody to activate allergic reactions. About 50% of patients with allergic disorders have increased IgE levels in their blood serum.

See also Allergies.

BOOKS

Barber, Marianne S. The Parents Guide to Food Allergies: Clear and Complete Advice from the Experts on Raising Your Food-Allergic Child. New York: Owl Books, 2001.

Coss, Linda Marienhoff. How to Manage Your Childs Life-Threatening Food Allergies: Practical Tips for Daily Life. Lake Forest, CA: Plumtree Press, 2004.

Jevon, Philip. Anaphylaxis: A Practical Guide. London, UK: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2004.

Smith, Nicole. Allie the Allergic Elephant: A Childrens Story of Peanut Allergies. San Francisco: Jungle Communications, 2002.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. 611 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Web site: <www.aaaai.org>

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. 10400 Eaton Place, Suite 107, Fairfax, VA 220302208. Web site: <www.foodallergy.org>

WEB SITES

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Available online at <http://allergy.mcg.edu> (accessed October 10, 2004).

Judith Sims

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EpiPen Jr., a syringe containing a child's dosage of adrenaline, is used for the emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock. (c Mark Thomas/Photo Researchers, Inc.)
EpiPen Jr., a syri...

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