Oral Food Challenge (OFC) Study with Epinephrine Nasal Spray
A panelist discusses how the current anaphylaxis grading system classifies reactions from zero (no reaction) to four (death), with grade two representing moderate but significantly uncomfortable symptoms affecting multiple body systems.
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This brief segment clarifies the recently updated anaphylaxis grading system established by professional allergy and immunology societies. Dr. Dixit explains that the system now ranges from Grade 0 (no reaction) to Grade 4 (death), with Grade 2 representing moderate reactions that are still quite significant for patients. He describes Grade 2 symptoms as including abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting and diarrhea, coughing, chest tightness, audible wheezing, mild hypotension, and tachycardia.
Dr. Dixit emphasizes that even "moderate" Grade 2 reactions are serious, uncomfortable experiences for patients, causing significant distress and requiring appropriate treatment. He notes that all patients in the Japanese Neffy study experienced Grade 2 reactions, demonstrating the medication's efficacy in managing clinically significant allergic responses rather than just mild symptoms.
The segment underscores the importance of understanding reaction severity classification when determining appropriate treatment protocols and evaluating medication effectiveness. Dr. Dixit's description of Grade 2 symptoms reinforces why prompt treatment with epinephrine remains essential, even when reactions aren't immediately life-threatening.
