Many people live their lives with the possibility of a sudden life-threatening allergic reaction without knowing the cause and now a new study led by researchers at the MUHC aims to help doctors and patients better treat it.
The study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that treatment and follow-up of AUT - anaphylaxis due to an unknown trigger - was minimal and inconsistent. Most people were given antihistimines and not an epipen and they were rarely referred to an allergist.
The study followed nearly 4,000 cases of anaphylaxis in Canadian hospital emergency rooms from 2011 to 2018.
"Usually they're observed, given some antihistamines because they have hives and that's it. Nobody knows what to do with them so they just go home," lead researcher Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan told CJAD 800.
Lia Davidson was 14 when she first showed severe allergic symptoms four years ago: hives, fatigue, vomiting, trouble breathing.
But she didn't know why.
Doctors diagnosed her with anaphylaxis due to an unknown trigger and prescribed an epipen.
Davidson now carries it with her all the time even though the allergic reaction hasn't happened since.
"It's scary, I never know whether something can happen or not," said Davidson in an interview with CJAD 800.
"It's something that can happen at any time, you just have to be ready for it."
The research is the first such large-scale study to assess treatment of AUT cases.
Ben-Shoshan said there needs to be clear guidelines and educational programs.
"We always say, It's better safe than sorry," said Ben-Shoshan.
"When you're in doubt, better treat it because the side effects of epinephrine are very rare but if you treat promptly anaphylaxis, you basically save a life."