Image from www.epipen.ca
What should I do if I think I am having a serious reaction?
These are some key points:
These are some key points:
- Is there a marked difficulty in breathing or swallowing? Is there sudden weakness or floppiness?
- Is there a steady deterioration? Any of these are signs of a serious reaction.
- Administer adrenaline (epinephrine) without delay if you believe the symptoms are serious, or becoming serious.
- Dial 911 or get someone else to do it.
Emergency treatment
People with severe food allergies (those at risk of anaphylaxis) need to take precautions. Despite reading menus and ingredients lists carefully, it is easy to eat a problem food by accident. A tiny amount in a dish can still trigger a severe reaction. Ensure that your doctor teaches you how to cope if you have an allergic reaction. Wear a bracelet or carry a card that details your allergy. Carry a pre-loaded adrenaline syringe (EpiPen). You must know how to use it in the event that you have a severe allergic reaction. Let your work colleagues know of your allergy, and how they can help in the event of an emergency. If your child has a severe allergy you must make sure that all their carers and teachers have the knowledge and ability to react correctly in an emergency.
Emergency Protocol - How to Use an Epipen!
Each individual has different symptoms, and some may be more severe than others. Symptoms come into effective quickly, within a few minutes or even a few seconds. In all cases, when an anaphylactic reaction occurs the same emergency protocol must be followed. The individual should be injected with an auto – epinephrine injector a.k.a. Epi-pen.
To administer the Epi-pen, simply remove the grey cap on the back of the injector, and jab the pen into the outer thigh. Be careful not to put your own finger on the black tip. If required, the Epi-pen can be put through clothing too. Once you’ve finished administering the injector, put it back into it’s case, and take it along to the hospital for the doctor. This allows the doctor to ensure that the Eip-pen was administered in an appropriate way, and the Epi-pen can be disposed of in a proper manner. For details on how to use an Epi-pen link here.
Carrying Antihistamines:
Carrying an antihistamine (Benadryl, Reactine – the most effective over the counter from my experience, right now is “Aerius”, it works instantly!) is always important and your Epi-pen if you have one. Don’t ever leave home with both of these items in your purse or back pocket. In case of an emergency both will be needed to help you through the reaction until you get proper medical treatment.
Having your inhalers close by is also a good idea. I know it’s tough, because they’re often large, but try to keep them as close as possible. Oh and make sure the person or people you are eating with are trained and know how to make use of these things in case of an emergency. Reassure them that nothing will happen, but just in case you want them to know how to do this. Just show them briefly and then they’ll have an idea. Most likely when you’re experiencing a reaction you may still be able to inject yourself with the Epi-pen, but in case they are needed, at least they know what they’re expected to do.
People with severe food allergies (those at risk of anaphylaxis) need to take precautions. Despite reading menus and ingredients lists carefully, it is easy to eat a problem food by accident. A tiny amount in a dish can still trigger a severe reaction. Ensure that your doctor teaches you how to cope if you have an allergic reaction. Wear a bracelet or carry a card that details your allergy. Carry a pre-loaded adrenaline syringe (EpiPen). You must know how to use it in the event that you have a severe allergic reaction. Let your work colleagues know of your allergy, and how they can help in the event of an emergency. If your child has a severe allergy you must make sure that all their carers and teachers have the knowledge and ability to react correctly in an emergency.
Emergency Protocol - How to Use an Epipen!
Each individual has different symptoms, and some may be more severe than others. Symptoms come into effective quickly, within a few minutes or even a few seconds. In all cases, when an anaphylactic reaction occurs the same emergency protocol must be followed. The individual should be injected with an auto – epinephrine injector a.k.a. Epi-pen.
To administer the Epi-pen, simply remove the grey cap on the back of the injector, and jab the pen into the outer thigh. Be careful not to put your own finger on the black tip. If required, the Epi-pen can be put through clothing too. Once you’ve finished administering the injector, put it back into it’s case, and take it along to the hospital for the doctor. This allows the doctor to ensure that the Eip-pen was administered in an appropriate way, and the Epi-pen can be disposed of in a proper manner. For details on how to use an Epi-pen link here.
Carrying Antihistamines:
Carrying an antihistamine (Benadryl, Reactine – the most effective over the counter from my experience, right now is “Aerius”, it works instantly!) is always important and your Epi-pen if you have one. Don’t ever leave home with both of these items in your purse or back pocket. In case of an emergency both will be needed to help you through the reaction until you get proper medical treatment.
Having your inhalers close by is also a good idea. I know it’s tough, because they’re often large, but try to keep them as close as possible. Oh and make sure the person or people you are eating with are trained and know how to make use of these things in case of an emergency. Reassure them that nothing will happen, but just in case you want them to know how to do this. Just show them briefly and then they’ll have an idea. Most likely when you’re experiencing a reaction you may still be able to inject yourself with the Epi-pen, but in case they are needed, at least they know what they’re expected to do.
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