Severe Allergic Reaction
April 28, 2017 at 5:00 PM
A severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, is an extreme response of the body's immune system to something it is sensitive to. There are common things that can initiate a severe allergic reaction such as:
- Bee stings
- Peanuts
- Latex
- Penicillin
When anaphylaxis occurs, the airway can become constricted due to swelling of the throat, making it difficult to breath. Wheezing may be heard. Other symptoms may include the following:
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids, and face
- Itchy raised lumps, or hives, on the face and chest
- Nausea and abdominal cramping
A severe allergic reaction can develop rapidly often over 30 minutes and as quickly as 5 minutes. In general the faster the reaction the more severe it is. Without treatment death can occur.
When assisting someone during an allergic reaction, follow these guidelines:
- Allow the person to find the most comforatable position to breath and ACTIVATE their Emergency Response Plan.
- If available help the person to administer their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector.
- Dial 111
- Monitor the person, calm, comfort and reassure until the Ambulance arrives.
- If the person has not responded to the first dose of epinephrine a second dose maybe given after 5 minutes if available.
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Blog references: MEDIC FIRST AID International Inc.