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Severe Allergic Reaction

April 28, 2017 at 5:00 PM

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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.

Want more info?

Attend one of Our Courses

or visit http://www.allergy.org.nz/ 

 

Blog references: MEDIC FIRST AID International Inc. 



Tags: First Aid for Anaphylaxis allergies
Category: First Aid

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