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Severe Allergic Reactions: What To Do?

 If you or a friend experiences a severe allergic reaction what should you do?

Identify the symptoms

Allergic reactions can go from mild to life threatening in a matter of minutes, so it is important to recognize the symptoms:
  • Itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth
  • Itching or a sense of tightness in the throat, hoarseness, or a hacking cough
  • Hives, itching, or swelling of the face or extremities
  • Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath, repetitive coughing, or wheezing
Tell someone – Right Away

This is no time to worry about becoming the center of attention. You can faint. Your airway can become restricted to the point at which you can’t talk. So you need to tell someone what is happening, they may need to call an ambulance for you and speak on your behalf.

Administer Medication

An epinephrine auto injection is best. Benadryl is the next best option, and liquid or fast melt Benadryl is preferable. Antihistamines are no use in this situation. If you don’t have any of these it is even more important to call 911 quickly.

Don’t Panic

I know easier said than done! But do try to remain calm – especially if you are the one having the reaction. You will need to communicate clearly with the 911 dispatcher and with the ambulance crew when they arrive – and possibly with passers by who stop to help.

Call 911

Ambulance crews are happy to come out to someone who has had a sudden onset of an allergic reaction. That is far preferable to coming out to someone who is nearly dying because they waited to call. And don’t even think of trying to drive yourself! If this is a severe reaction you are more likely to get into an accident than you are to get safely to the hospital. Really! Ambulances get called out every hour for stupid things – this is not one of them.

Reflect and Review

When you get home from the hospital it is time to review what happened and talk it over with your Doctor.
  • What had you eaten?
  • How quickly did the reaction occur?
  • What symptoms did you get?
  • How severe was the reaction?
Your doctor may want to review your medications, and if you don’t have one already prescribe an epi-pen for you. You will also want to make a note to avoid that food!
By: Nicola Lane
Published: 09/22/08


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    6 Posted Comments:

    @ 7:43 am 09/22/08 by CMathias
    This is great knowledge to know. If any of us tried something new and was not aware of us being allergic, it would help us to kno that we need medical attention quickly. It could save our lives. Great Article!
    Reply to this Comment

    @ 2:38 pm 09/23/08 by C.D. Crowder
    Great article. I especially liked the Reflect and Review part. Many people forget to look at ways to prevent the cause in the future, which simply results in repeating the steps in your article again and again.
    Reply to this Comment

    A Matter of Minutes

    @ 7:04 am 09/24/08 by Jannie Borg Larsen
    Wow! Not something I think of especially often I can say! But, that was really useful advice and suggestions both when it comes to being able to recognise symptoms, to treat myself (if ever needed) and another person, and providing an action-plan and the very important after care. Thank you!
    Reply to this Comment

    @ 9:22 am 10/01/08 by Ette_Rual
    good article. with my allergic rxn, benadryl has been my constant companion. since elementary, ive already have this ointment handy. my doctor always says that symptoms must be identified before applying any medication.
    Reply to this Comment

    @ 6:54 pm 10/04/08 by yourstrulyisabel
    Yes. Benadryl is a good immediate remedy for allergic reactions that's why we always have stocks in the house.
    Reply to this Comment

    @ 12:19 pm 10/07/08 by R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen
    Good info. I keep my epi-pen with me at all times.
    Reply to this Comment

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