Abstract

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK IN DENTAL PRACTICE – A REVIEW

*Jaquilin George G., Dr. Laxmikanth Chatra, Dr. Prashanth Shenoy, Dr. Veena K. M. and Dr. Rachana V. Prabhu

ABSTRACT

Anaphylactic shock is one of the medical Emergencies that the dentists encounter in the clinical practice. It is a type I hypersensitivity reaction which occurs in response to the exposure of an allergen. In dental practice, it is caused by the materials like alginate and the drugs like anesthetic injections used in dentistry. It affects more than one body systems and manifests with several signs and symptoms. The diagnosis of acute anaphylactic reaction at right time plays a crucial role in saving lives. Since these reactions may develop within no time, the clinician should act promptly to this emergency. An immediate action plan should be initiated in emergency which includes the basic life support measures like CPR to prevent any life threatening complications and followed by specific pharmacotherapy. The prevention of the anaphylactic shock starts from the proper history taking. So the dentists should be aware about this clinical emergency and the relevance of history taking. The article gives an overall idea about the management of this emergency condition.

Keywords: Anaphylactic shock, medical emergency, epinephrine.