Back to: Basic First Aid Senior Living Professionals
Allergies are quite common. A severe allergic reaction can quickly turn into a medical emergency.
Some things that cause a severe allergic reaction are:
Eggs, Peanuts, chocolate, some medications, insect bites and stings, especially bee stings.
Mild Allergic Reaction:
Stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching around the eyes. Itching of the skin, raised, red rash on the skin (hives).
Severe Allergic Reaction:
Trouble Breathing. Swelling of the tongue and face. Signs of shock.
Anaphylaxis:
This is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It occurs suddenly, and within seconds or minutes after contact with the allergen. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical treatment, including epinephrine injection (if available) and a trip to the hospital.
Epinephrine is a drug that can stop a severe allergic reaction. It is available by prescription in a self-injectable pen device called an epinephrine pen.
Many people who have an allergy carry an epinephrine pen. If the person responds, and has a epi-pen, help him get it. The person should know how to use it and can administer himself if necessary.
Call 911 if the person doesn’t get better or if there is a delay greater than 10 minutes for advanced help to arrive.
Using an Epinephrine Pen – Demonstration and skill testing.