Management of anaphylaxis and allergic diseases in dental practice of pedodontists

Abstract

Introduction

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic allergic reaction. In this study, we evaluated the pedodontists’ knowledge, experience and preparedness for allergic reactions and anaphylaxis management.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was designed and distributed through the web-based application.

Results

One hundred and four pedodontists completed the survey. All of the participants questioned allergic diseases and drug allergies before the dental procedure. Of the participants, 81.7% were aware that the first choice in the treatment of anaphylaxis was adrenaline, and 71.2% of them were informed that the route of administration of adrenaline was intramuscular. However, 22.1% of the participants reported concern about not being able to recognize anaphylaxis and 59.6% of them were inaccurate about the dose of adrenaline that should be administered to treat anaphylaxis. The participants who were trained about anaphylaxis in the last 5 years responded more accurately to the adrenaline dose applied in the treatment of anaphylaxis (P = 0.001). There was no association between accurately knowing the dosage and route of adrenaline and the participants’ age, gender, duration of employment, or workplace (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, it was determined that the management of allergic diseases and anaphylaxis needs to be improved in pedodontic clinics.