Anaphylaxis from The Eyes of Family Physicians

INTRODUCTION: Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that can be fatal. The main target in anaphylaxis management is accurate and rapid diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study is to measure the level of knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis by family physicians who provide primary health care. On the other hand, it is aimed to increase the awareness of the physicians about anaphylaxis by increasing their awareness about the subject. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-two family physicians participated in our study as a volunteer. The questionnaires were prepared to measure physicians' ability to recognize and treat their anaphylaxis status. It was examined whether there was a relationship between the correct answers and the professional experience of the family physicians. Professional experience was evaluated in two groups as 1-10 years and 11-30 years. RESULTS: In the first group, 80% of the family physicians applied the adrenaline intramuscularly in the case of anaphylaxis and in the second group this rate was 60% (p = 0.004). While 60% of the family physicians in the first group stated that they should make adrenaline in the vastuslateralis muscle in the case of anaphylaxis, this rate was around 45% in the second group (p = 0.034). Finally, half of the family physicians in the first group ''Adrenalin (Penepin (R)) automatic injector '' previously heard, while in the second group this rate was 1/3 level (p = 0.039). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the knowledge of family physicians working in primary care is insufficient for anaphylaxis. In order to eliminate the shortcomings, it is essential to give effective and practical training to our physicians working in the first step. In addition, new survey studies are needed. Because each survey study contributes to increasing the level of knowledge.