Assessing of patients’ knowledge of anaphylactic shock and allergies.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) identified allergy as one of the major problems of the 21st century. It was also stated to be a key issue for health protection and public health care activity in the White Book on Allergy published in 2011. An allergy or atopy is called type I hypersensitivity. It may take the form of immediate (anaphylaxis) or late symptoms including allergic rhinitis and eye diseases, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, anaphylactic shock, allergic asthma and hives. Anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock can occur at any age. Aim of the study: The goal of the study was to assess patient knowledge about allergies and appropriate actions to take in situations of severe allergic symptoms including anaphylactic shock. Material and methods: The study was conducted in 2018 among 150 adult patients in a clinic of Allergy at Optima Medycyna SA in Opole. The author’s survey questionnaire contained 27 closed single or multiple-choice questions. Results: A satisfactory level of knowledge of the most life-threatening allergy exacerbations was found in 79.3% (119) of the examinees. 53.3% (80) had correct knowledge of how to act in the case of a severe allergic shortness of breath and symptoms that do not subside despite administering medications. In such instances, 46.7% did not know what to do. Only 84.7% (127) of respondents knew the definition of anaphylactic shock while 10% (15) did not know the concept at all. Conclusions: Patients showed a significantly higher level of knowledge about allergy complications than about their causes and prevention. Knowledge about the diagnosis of allergy exacerbations, as well as steps to take in life-threatening situations associated with acute allergic disease and anaphylactic shock in home situations was insufficient. In addition, it was found that nursing staff insufficiently educate patients on allergies and associated complications.