The overall incidence of perioperative anaphylaxis was estimated to be 1 in 10 000 anaesthetics.

SummaryThis guidance for the management of patients with allergic and non-allergic rhinitis has been prepared by the Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI). The guideline is based on evidence as well as on expert opinion and is for use by both adult physicians and paediatricians practicing in allergy. The recommendations are evidence graded. During the development of these guidelines, all BSACI members were included in the consultation process using a web-based system. Their comments and suggestions were carefully considered by the SOCC. Where evidence was lacking, consensus was reached by the experts on the committee. Included in this guideline are clinical classification of rhinitis, aetiology, diagnosis, investigations and management including subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy. There are also special sections for children, co-morbid associations and pregnancy. Finally, we have made recommendations for potential areas of future research.

SummaryThe Standards of Care Committee of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) and an expert panel have prepared this guidance for the management of immediate and non-immediate allergic reactions to penicillins and other beta-lactams. The guideline is intended for UK specialists in both adult and paediatric allergy and for other clinicians practising allergy in secondary and tertiary care. The recommendations are evidence based, but where evidence is lacking, the panel reached consensus. During the development of the guideline, all BSACI members were consulted using a Web-based process and all comments carefully considered. Included in the guideline are epidemiology of allergic reactions to beta-lactams, molecular structure, formulations available in the UK and a description of known beta-lactam antigenic determinants. Sections on the value and limitations of clinical history, skin testing and laboratory investigations for both penicillins and cephalosporins are included. Cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins is discussed in detail. Recommendations on oral provocation and desensitization procedures have been made. Guidance for beta-lactam allergy in children is given in a separate section. An algorithm to help the clinician in the diagnosis of patients with a history of penicillin allergy has also been included.Keywords allergy, anaphylaxis, beta-lactam, BSACI, carbapenem, cephalosporin, children, cross-reactivity, desensitization, drug provocation test, epidemiology, hypersensitivity, monobactam, oral challenges, paediatrics, penicillin, serum-specific IgE, skin tests, Standards of Care Committee • This guideline addresses immediate and non-immediate allergic reactions to beta-lactams.• Up to 20% of drug-related anaphylaxis deaths in • Individuals with a positive skin test to an aminopenicillin but negative skin tests to penicillin determinants are likely to be sensitized to the aminopenicillin side chain. (B) In this situation, a cautious challenge to benzyl or phenoxymethyl penicillin can be considered to ascertain whether the patient has a selective penicillin allergy. (D) • If a cephalosporin is required in a patient with a clinical history of penicillin allergy and positive skin tests -the patient should undergo skin testing using a cephalosporin with a different side chain and, if negative, provocation testing should be undertaken to exclude allergy to the specific cephalosporin. (D)• If penicillin is required in a patient with a clinical history of cephalosporin allergy, skin testing should be undertaken with penicillins and, if negative, provocation testing to exclude allergy to penicillin. (B) If skin tests are positive, then penicillin avoidance or desensitization can be considered. (B)• If a cephalosporin is required by a patient with a previous reaction, skin testing to penicillins and the required cephalosporin should be carried out to establish whether sensitization is to the beta-lactam core or side chain. (B) This should be followed by either provo...

This is an updated guideline for the diagnosis and management of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, first published in 2007. It was produced by the Standards of Care Committee of the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, using accredited methods. Allergic rhinitis is common and affects 10-15% of children and 26% of adults in the UK, it affects quality of life, school and work attendance, and is a risk factor for development of asthma. Allergic rhinitis is diagnosed by history and examination, supported by specific allergy tests. Topical nasal corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for moderate to severe disease. Combination therapy with intranasal corticosteroid plus intranasal antihistamine is more effective than either alone and provides second line treatment for those with rhinitis poorly controlled on monotherapy. Immunotherapy is highly effective when the specific allergen is the responsible driver for the symptoms. Treatment of rhinitis is associated with benefits for asthma. Non-allergic rhinitis also is a risk factor for the development of asthma and may be eosinophilic and steroid-responsive or neurogenic and non- inflammatory. Non-allergic rhinitis may be a presenting complaint for systemic disorders such as granulomatous or eosinophilic polyangiitis, and sarcoidoisis. Infective rhinitis can be caused by viruses, and less commonly by bacteria, fungi and protozoa.

Management of perioperative anaphylaxis could be improved, especially with respect to administration of epinephrine, cardiac compressions, and i.v. fluid. Sequelae were common.