At Bellingham Allergy & Asthma Clinic, we believe staying informed is one of the best ways to stay safe. Recent updates from the FDA and leading allergy experts are changing the way we treat anaphylaxis and making treatment more accessible than ever.
Essential Epinephrine Guidance – What You Need to Know
- Epinephrine is the most important medication in the treatment of anaphylaxis.
- If administered promptly, and the reaction resolves quickly and completely, EMS activation may not be necessary.
- EMS should be activated if anaphylaxis is severe, fails to resolve promptly, fails to resolve completely or nearly completely, or returns or worsens after the first dose of epinephrine.
Always follow your provider’s instructions.
FDA Approves First Needle-Free Epinephrine Option
In 2023, the FDA approved neffy, the first needle-free epinephrine nasal spray for treating severe allergic reactions in adults and children.Clinical trials showed comparable effectiveness to injectable epinephrine.
This new option could reduce hesitation and increase confidence in administering life-saving treatment.
Source: FDA News Release
New Guidelines on Anaphylaxis Diagnosis and Management
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), in collaboration with the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, released updated clinical guidance on anaphylaxis management in late 2023. (Source)
Key updates include:
*World Health Organization, 2019
- Updated diagnostic criteria to better reflect the range of anaphylaxis presentations.
- If epinephrine is used promptly, immediate activation of the EMS may not be required if the patient experiences prompt, complete, and durable response to treatment.
- Recommendations on biphasic reactions, reinforcing the importance of monitoring for symptom return hours after initial treatment.
- Pediatric-specific guidance for recognizing and managing symptoms in infants and children.
Full article: Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (2023)
What This Means for You
These changes reflect a growing commitment to:
- More available epinephrine treatment options
- Clearer guidance for families and providers to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis
- Better outcomes through tailored care
At Bellingham Allergy, we are already incorporating these new best practices into our care plans and patient education.
Let’s Talk About Your Emergency Plan
Have questions about what’s right for your family?
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