Fatal Anaphylactic Factors

A recent report listed several key factors that have contributed to fatal allergic reactions:

• There was no epinephrine injected into the patient at the time of anaphylaxis.

• The failure of the anaphylactic individual to protect himself from an accidental exposure.

• Not wearing a MedicAlert® bracelet or necklace.

• At-risk persons failing to acknowledge that even a tiny amount of the allergen can kill.

• At-risk persons failing to acknowledge the seriousness of the problem, in that death can occur due to the allergic reaction.

• Minimizing or denying the symptoms of a previous first non fatal anaphylactic reaction. 

• Failing to speak out when a reaction is first suspected.

• Forgetting to check food labels carefully.

• Sharing foods or utensils.

• Obtaining food from others when the content is unknown.

• Relying on waiters and service personnel in a restaurant instead of checking with the chef.

• Kissing someone who has eaten an allergen.

• The failure of institutions to label or identify allergens to protect people from accidental exposure.

• The failure to communicate with a babysitter, caregiver or nanny about an at-risk person and what to do in case of an emergency.

• The failure of not dialing 911.

• The failure to use epinephrine immediately.

• The failure to have a second auto injector at hand.

• The failure of not being taken to a hospital immediately.

• The failure of treatment – for example, an out-of-date auto injector or incorrect administration of the auto injector.

• Not empowering and training the child to communicate to people about his or her at-risk situation with anaphylaxis.

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