Pediatric idiopathic anaphylaxis: practical management from infants to adolescents

Abstract

Idiopathic anaphylaxis (IA) remains a frustrating challenge for both patients and physicians. The aim of this paper is to focus on IA in pediatric ages and suggest possible diagnostic algorithms according to specific age ranges (infants, children, and adolescents). In fact, in a variable percentage of patients, despite extensive diagnostic tests, the cause of anaphylactic episodes cannot be identified. Moreover, the lack of a unanimous IA definition requires a careful and detailed diagnostic workup. Prompt recognition of signs and symptoms, especially in younger children, and an accurate clinical history often allow a choice of the most appropriate diagnostic tests and a correct differential diagnosis.