Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening, often unexpected, severe allergic reaction that affects many parts of the body at once. Like other allergic reactions, the condition is the body's overreaction to a foreign substance that ordinarily is harmless. Common causes of severe allergic emergencies are food, insect stings, medications and latex. In some instances, severe allergic emergencies are fatal, with up to 1,500 deaths each year.

"Many deaths from anaphylaxis are preventable with immediate medical attention," said allergist Phil Lieberman, M.D., co-chair of the Be S.A.F.E. campaign. "For some, especially those with asthma, it can take just 1 to 2 minutes for a mild allergic reaction to escalate to anaphylaxis. That's why it's critical for people to know how to take action."

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include hives, itchiness and redness on the skin, eyelids, lips or other parts of the body; swelling of the tongue, throat and nose; nausea, cramping and vomiting or diarrhea; dizziness and fainting or loss of consciousness; and wheezing or difficulty breathing.

To address the challenges of diagnosing and treating anaphylaxis in the emergency department, an expert panel of allergists and emergency physicians was convened in Chicago in April by ACAAI and ACEP. The panel discussed ways to improve management of anaphylaxis in emergency departments including development of new educational materials for patients and greater collaboration between emergency professionals and allergy specialists.

"Emergency physicians are on the front lines treating severe allergic reactions that people often mistake for some other crisis, like a panic attack," said emergency physician Wyatt Decker, M.D., co-chair of the Be S.A.F.E. campaign. "The millions of people at risk for these allergic reactions need to understand the importance of learning everything they can about their condition by following up with an allergist for a diagnosis and a disease management plan."

Allergist Clifford W. Bassett, a member of the ACAAI public relations committee and a former emergency room physician, said the significance of physician collaboration to help patients understand anaphylaxis cannot be underestimated. "It is important that emergency physicians and allergists work closely together to educate the public about anaphylaxis and other severe allergic reactions, optimize treatment of these conditions in emergency departments and ensure that patients receive appropriate follow up with a specialist," Dr. Bassett said.

To help the public remember the steps to take during and after an allergic emergency, allergists and emergency physicians developed the Be S.A.F.E. guide:

Carry EPINEPHRINE for emergencies - Kits containing fast-acting, self-administered epinephrine shots are commonly prescribed for people who are at risk of anaphylaxis. People with severe allergies and those around them should make sure they know where an epinephrine kit is and how to give an injection.

Consumers can find a free online brochure and learn more about severe allergic emergencies and the Be S.A.F.E. campaign by visiting the patient education section at www.acaai.org or calling toll free (800) 842-7777.

Healthcare professionals can download the quick reference card and find information about the Be S.A.F.E. campaign by visiting the health professionals section of www.acaai.org . Physicians also can download the Be S.A.F.E. consumer education brochure by visiting the patient education section of the ACAAI Web site, and can obtain ordering information from the member or health professionals sections.

The Be S.A.F.E. campaign is supported by an educational grant from Dey, L.P.

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