Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis): Causes, Symptoms, and First Aid

Severe allergic reaction

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which usually happens when a substance to which the casualty is very sensitive enters the body, although it can also be caused by exercise or have no known cause. Anaphylaxis can happen within seconds, minutes or hours of a substance entering the body. As a rule, the sooner the casualty’s body reacts, the worse the reaction will be. Anaphylaxis is a serious medical emergency that needs urgent medical attention. Common early signs and symptoms of an allergy may include itchy flushed skin with hives; sneezing and a runny nose; coughing. If it’s a severe reaction there may be swelling of the face and neck, especially the lips and tongue. Breathing may become difficult if the swelling is internal too. There may be nausea and vomiting and the casualty may be anxious and feeling sense of impending doom as their blood pressure drops and they go into shock. This is a true medical emergency and requires immediate first aid.

Recognition

There may be:

• Anxiety

• Red, blotchy skin, itchy rash, and red, itchy, watery eyes

• Swelling of hands, feet, and face

• Puffiness around the eyes

• Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Difficulty breathing, ranging from tight chest to severe difficulty, which causes wheezing and gasping for air

• Swelling of tongue and throat

• A feeling of terror

• Confusion and agitation

• Signs of shock leading to unconsciousness

What to do

• Call for the emergency for help-Ideally, ask someone to make the call while you treat the casualty. Tell the dispatcher that you suspect anaphylaxis and tell him the possible cause.

• Help with the medication-If the casualty has an autoinjector of epinephrine, help her use it. If she is unable to take the medication, administer it yourself.

Consideration for use of auto-injector

• Perform a scene survey and a primary survey.

• Place the casualty in the most comfortable position for breathing—usually sitting upright.

• Assist the casualty with their medication, usually this is an epinephrine auto-injector.

• Give ongoing casualty care. It is important to be familiar with, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which is located on the side of the auto-injector. Check the expiry date. If the only auto-injector is an expired product, it may still save a life and should be administered anyway, if the indicated liquid remains clear.

To use the auto-injector:

• Remove the EpiPen® from the storage tube. Hold it firmly with the orange tip downward. Remove the blue safety release.

• Use the auto-injector on only the fleshy part of the mid-outer thigh. Auto-injectors can be given through lightweight clothing.

• Press the orange tip of the EpiPen® firmly into the midouter thigh until the unit activates.

• Hold the auto-injector in place for several seconds, then pull it straight out.

• After the injection, keep the casualty warm and avoid any exertion.

• Call 9-1-1 as soon as you have given the first dose.