First Aid for Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause shock, a sudden drop in blood pressure and breathing problems. In a people is allergic, anaphylaxis can be witnessed minutes after exposure to a particular allergy-causing component (allergen). In some instances, there may be a delayed reaction or anaphylaxis may be experienced without an apparent stimulation. 

What is the First Aid for Anaphylaxis 

1. Immediately call 911 or your nearby medical emergency number.

2. Discover if the person is carrying an epinephrine auto injector to combat an allergic attack (for instance, EpiPen, Twinject).

3. If the person says he or she needs to facilitate an auto injector, ask if he need help inject the medication. This is generally performed by pressing the auto injector against the person's thigh.

4. Let the person lie straight on his or her back.

5. If there are no apparent signs of coughing, breathing, any movement begin CPR. Do continuous chest presses of about two a second until paramedics help arrives.

6. Loosen the tight attires and cover the person with a blanket. Don't try to give the person anything to drink or eat.

7. If there's nausea or bleeding from the mouth, let the person lie on his or her side to inhibit choking.

8. Don’t neglect emergency treatment even if symptoms start to improve. After anaphylaxis, there is a probability of symptoms to recur. Observation in a hospital setting for many hours is mostly of time essential.

If you're with someone showing signs of anaphylaxis, don't wait to see if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency assistance straight away. In severe cases, untreated anaphylaxis can result in death within a few minutes. An antihistamine pill, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl and others), isn't enough to treat anaphylaxis. These drugs can offer relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in an emergency where immediate help is needed. 

Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis 

• Skin reactions like itching, hives, and flushed or pale skin

• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips or throat

• Blockage of the airways, resulting in wheezing and troubled breathing

• A mild and fast pulse

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea like signs

• Dizziness, fainting or unconsciousness

Some General Anaphylaxis Stimulators include: 

• Medications (specifically penicillin)

• Foods items like peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish, mango

• Insect stings from bees, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants

If you've suffered any kind of severe allergic reaction in the past, consult your doctor if you should be prescribed to carry with you an epinephrine auto injector. 

Prevention Measures of  Anaphylaxis

• Avoid allergens as much as possible 

• Those who are allergic to some specific agents should carry adrenalin auto-injector 

• In case of children school authorities should be informed, if children at risk 

• Children should wear food allergy badges 

• Emergency first aids are necessary in schools/ work place 

• Educating the public is crucial