Emergency Rooms: Saving Lives From Severe Allergic Reactions

A severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention and treatment in hospital. It can be caused by food, medicine, or insect stings, and symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, hives, itchy rashes, and a rapid pulse. The first line of treatment is an injection of adrenaline (epinephrine) into the outer mid-thigh, which helps to bring blood to the vessels and open up the airways. Hospitals will also monitor patients for several hours to ensure symptoms are under control, and patients will be given two adrenaline auto-injectors to take home in case of another reaction.

Administering an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen)

Adrenaline auto-injectors, such as EpiPens, are designed to be used by people with no medical training. They are prescribed by doctors for patients who are at risk of anaphylaxis. Each auto-injector will come with instructions, but here is a general step-by-step guide on administering an EpiPen:

• Remove the device from its case.
• Ensure that the person having the allergic reaction is either lying down or seated. They should not be standing or walking.
• If possible, remove the source of the allergy. For example, if the person has been stung by an insect, remove the stinger using a credit card or tweezers.
• Remove any clothing that may be in the way.
• The EpiPen should be injected into the person's outer mid-thigh.
• After administering the injection, call emergency services. Even if the person's symptoms improve, they should still be taken to the hospital for a review.

It is important to note that EpiPens are not always effective on their own, and some people may require further treatment at the hospital, such as intubation or surgery to open their airways.

Calling emergency services

If you or someone else is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, it is important to call emergency services immediately. Severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention.

When calling emergency services, provide as much information as possible about the situation. Let the dispatcher know that you or the person you are with is having a severe allergic reaction and describe any symptoms that are present, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, rash, or sudden shortness of breath. If the cause of the allergic reaction is known, such as a food allergy, insect sting, or medication, inform the dispatcher.

In the case of anaphylaxis, the first line of treatment is the injection of adrenaline (epinephrine) into the outer mid-thigh. If you or the person you are with has an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen), follow the instructions on the injector to administer the medication. If you do not have an auto-injector, inform the emergency dispatcher, as they can guide you through the steps of administering emergency first aid. If the person's symptoms do not improve after 5 minutes, a second dose of adrenaline may be required.

It is important to note that even if the symptoms improve or resolve after administering adrenaline, a trip to the emergency department of the nearest hospital is still necessary. Anaphylaxis can have delayed reactions, and further monitoring and treatment may be required.

While waiting for emergency services to arrive, there are several steps you can take to ensure the safety and comfort of the person experiencing the allergic reaction:

• Remove the source of the allergy, for example, if it is an insect sting, remove the stinger using a credit card or tweezers.
• If the person feels like they are about to faint or is currently fainting, lay them flat on their back and raise their legs to promote blood flow to the brain.
• If the person is feeling nauseous or is having trouble breathing, especially if they are pregnant, help them sit up slowly or lay on their side.

Raising legs to get blood to the brain

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical treatment. If you or someone else is experiencing an anaphylactic allergic reaction, the first course of action should be to administer adrenaline (epinephrine) via an EpiPen or Anapen if it is available. Adrenaline works fast to reverse a severe allergic reaction, and these injectors are designed for use by people with no medical training. If an EpiPen is not available, it is advised to go to the emergency room right away.

While you wait for medical help to arrive, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself or the person having the reaction safe. If the person feels faint or is fainting, lay the person flat on their back and raise their legs so that blood can get to their brain. You can cover them with a blanket to keep them warm. If they are pregnant, vomiting, or having trouble breathing, sit them up and a little forward if possible, or lay them on their left side.

It is important to note that even if the person's symptoms improve after the injection, a trip to the emergency room is still required. Epinephrine usually relieves the most dangerous symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as throat swelling, trouble breathing, and low blood pressure, but it needs to be administered within the first few minutes of the reaction for maximum effectiveness. People with very severe reactions may need a breathing tube or surgery to open their airways.

To prevent anaphylaxis, it is recommended to avoid known allergens and carry two adrenaline auto-injectors at all times if you are at risk of anaphylaxis.

Removing the source of the allergy

If you or someone you know is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, it is important to act quickly. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can be caused by food, medicine, or insect stings, and requires immediate medical attention. While administering adrenaline (epinephrine) via an EpiPen is often the first course of action, removing the source of the allergy is also crucial.

If the allergic reaction is caused by an insect sting, it is important to remove the stinger as soon as possible. This can be done using a credit card or tweezers to prevent further venom from entering the body. Removing tight jewellery, clothing, or belts is also important in case of swelling.

If the person is experiencing an allergic reaction to something they have ingested, they should stop consuming the food or drink immediately. If they are able to, they should also rinse their mouth with water to prevent further exposure to the allergen. If the person is carrying an EpiPen, it should be administered into the outer mid-thigh as soon as possible.

If the person is experiencing an allergic reaction to something in their environment, such as pollen or pet dander, they should remove themselves from the area and seek fresh air. If possible, they should change their clothing and wash their skin and hair to remove any allergens that may be lingering.

In all cases of severe allergic reactions, it is important to call emergency services and seek medical attention, even if the person's symptoms improve after administering an EpiPen. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, and symptoms can sometimes return or worsen after an initial improvement. It is also important to note that if the person does not know what caused their allergic reaction, they should see an allergist for testing to identify their triggers and prevent future reactions.

Referral to an allergy specialist

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, it is important to administer adrenaline via an auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if one is available. Call emergency services and inform the dispatcher about the anaphylactic reaction. While waiting for medical help, ensure that the person experiencing the reaction is kept safe and comfortable. If the reaction was caused by an insect sting, remove the stinger, and if the person feels faint, help them lie down. If they are struggling to breathe, especially if they are pregnant, help them sit up slowly.

Following an anaphylactic reaction, it is important to go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital for review by a doctor. The person who experienced the reaction may be given two adrenaline auto-injectors to carry with them at all times in case of another anaphylactic reaction. They may also be referred to an allergy specialist for tests and advice.

During an appointment with an allergy specialist, they will take a detailed medical history, including information about the anaphylactic reaction and any potential allergens. They may ask about dietary habits, environmental exposures, and personal care products used. This information helps narrow down the list of potential allergens. The allergy specialist may then perform skin prick tests, where a small amount of a suspected allergen is introduced into the skin to observe any reactions. This is typically done in a controlled setting to ensure the patient's safety.

In some cases, blood tests may be recommended to detect the presence of specific antibodies associated with allergies. These tests can help identify allergies to certain foods, pollen, pet dander, or other substances. The allergy specialist will interpret the results of these tests and provide a detailed report outlining any confirmed allergies and their severity. This information is crucial for both the patient and their primary care provider in managing their condition effectively.

Additionally, the allergy specialist can offer guidance on creating a safe environment for the patient, including recommendations on allergen avoidance. This may involve suggesting specific dietary changes, advising on the use of allergen-proof bedding, or providing information on how to read product labels to identify potential allergens. They can also advise on the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications that can help manage allergy symptoms, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the patient's care.

Frequently asked questions