Proposals to improve the care of people who suffer severe anaphylactic <!allergic> reactions were published today in the UK.
Experts say hospitals are having to treat increasing numbers of victims of anaphylactic shock.
The rate of hospital admissions for the problem increased by seven times in just 15 years, according to the UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
It says it is unclear how many people in Britain have experienced the problem – but it is estimated to be about one in 1,333 people.
Although bee and wasp stings and nuts are among common causes of the problem, in many cases people fall ill without knowing the cause, according to NICE.
Its new draft advice says those who treat patients should ensure they record the circumstances of the illness – to help identify the trigger.
Children who experience their first shock should be admitted to hospital under the care of paediatric specialists, it says.
And it calls for a "referral pathway" for patients who have received emergency treatment to help ensure allergy problems are diagnosed and treated.
Dr Fergus Macbeth, of NICE, said: “Anaphylaxis is a very serious, potentially life-threatening reaction. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of understanding of the condition on the part of healthcare professionals both when making a diagnosis and of when or where to refer patients who have had a suspected anaphylaxis.
"This can affect the likelihood of the person receiving a definitive diagnosis, which can lead to anxiety, inappropriate management and recurrent episodes."
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