We aimed to compare and distinguish the characteristics of anaphylaxis and angioedema, especially with oral mucosal involvement and treatment of patients who visited the Pediatric Emergency Department.

We retrospectively analyzed patients under age 18-year-old who were diagnosed with anaphylaxis and angioedema with oral mucosal involvement and treated with epinephrine from May 2008 to May 2013 in a single Pediatric Emergency Department in Seoul, Korea. We evaluated their past history, possible triggering causes, symptoms, vital signs and treatment and discharge with education.

During the study period the total cases of anaphylaxis were 79 and angioedema with oral mucosal involvement were 218. The age of patients with anaphylaxis was significantly higher (6.6±4.9 years vs. 4.1±3.3 years). The heart rate relative to age was significantly higher in the anaphylaxis group (49.4% vs. 36.2%). After discharge from the Emergency Center, 3.8% of anaphylaxis patients were prescribed an epinephrine injection. Education to avoid the triggering factor was provided in 32.9% of anaphylaxis group and 17.4% in the angioedema group.

Besides blood pressure, we should pay attention to the heart rate in pediatric patients with severe allergic reactions. More active follow-up of anaphylaxis and angioedema with oral mucosal involvement is needed to educate parents and prescribe emergency medication.