Points & pearls: Anaphylaxis in pediatric patients: early recognition and treatment are critical for best outcomes.

Anaphylaxis is a time-sensitive, clinical diagnosis that is often misdiagnosed because the presenting signs and symptoms are similar to those of other disease processes. This issue reviews the criteria for diagnosing a pediatric patient with anaphylaxis and offers evidence-based recommendations for first- and second-line treatment, including the use of epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. Guidance is also provided for the appropriate disposition of patients with anaphylaxis, including prescribing epinephrine autoinjectors and offering training on how to use them, educating patients and families on avoidance of known offending allergens, and referring the patient to a specialist in allergy and immunology. [Points & Pearls is a digest of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice.]