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Anaphylaxis Awareness
Every year in the United States, between 400 and 800 deaths are caused by severe allergic reactions. These reactions bring on a condition called anaphylactic shock, also known as anaphylaxis. Severe allergic reactions can occur in seconds, but can be alleviated if treated quickly and correctly.
Substances that cause allergic reactions are called antigens. Common antigens include bee or insect venom, antibiotics, pollen, animal dander, and some foods such as nuts, peanuts, shellfish, strawberries or coconut oils. Reactions range from mild to very severe – from a common, mild rash caused by poison ivy, to a life-threatening reaction causing swelling of the airway.
Signals of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis usually occurs suddenly, within seconds or minutes after contact with the substance. The skin or area of the body that comes in contact with the antigen usually turns red and swells. The person may also develop hives or a rash, or experience itching, weakness, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, dizziness and trouble breathing that includes coughing or wheezing. Trouble breathing can sometimes progress to swelling of the lips, tongue, throat and larynx, and lead to an obstructed airway. Death from anaphylaxis may occur because the person’s breathing is severely restricted.
Care for Anaphylaxis
If you notice any of these symptoms after a person has come into contact with a possible antigen, they could be experiencing anaphylaxis, and you should take the following steps.
- Check the person’s airway and breathing:
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if you find the person is having trouble breathing or if the person complains that his or her throat is closing.
- Help the person into the most comfortable position for breathing.
- Administer oxygen if it is available and you are trained to do so.
- Monitor airway, breathing and circulation and keep the person calm until medical help arrives.
People who know they are allergic to certain substances may be prepared with an anaphylaxis kit, containing a single dose of the drug epinephrine. Epinephrine can be injected into the body to counteract the anaphylactic reactions, and is usually administered by using an auto-injector called an Epi-Pen®. These auto-injectors contain a preloaded dose of epinephrine that a person experiencing a reaction can inject into their thigh or upper arm. If someone near you is having an allergic reaction, and has a prescribed Epi-Pen®, help them in any way asked, and give the used auto-injector to a medical professional upon arrival.
The American Red Cross now offers a one-hour Epinephrine Auto-Injector Training Module, ideal for teachers, coaches or anyone who may need to respond to someone experiencing a severe allergic reaction. The course is offered as a supplement to the recently updated American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED program. For more information, contact your local chapter, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-667-2968.
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