The knowledge of and attitudes toward anaphylaxis emergency management among Polish dentists

Abstract

inTroducTion: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency condition requiring immediate diagnosis and implementation of proper treatment. For the medical personnel facing a patient suspected of anaphylaxis, the necessary rapid initial management includes removing the allergen, calling for help, clearing the airway, laying the patient, and administering adrenaline in an intramuscular injection and oxygen. Airway management, intravenous access, and intravenous fluid challenge, as well as chlorphenamine and hydrocortisone injection, are also suggested if the medical personnel has appropriate skills and equipment available. Many studies emphasize that dentists feel inadequately trained to recognize and treat medical emergencies in dental offices, which especially refers to anaphylaxis. The aim of the study was to assess the dentists' preparedness, knowledge, and attitudes with regard to anaphylaxis in dental offices in Poland. MeThods: The study was conducted between November 2016 and November 2017 during scientific meetings and congresses in Poland. The participants (Polish dentists) received information on the study objectives and voluntarily took part in the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire included 20 items concerning age, gender, work experience, specialization, latest training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, onset time of allergic reaction, stridor, first line pharmacological treatment, route of administration and doses of adrenaline in different age groups, other medications recommended in anaphylaxis.