First Aid For Allergies

Facts About Allergies

  • A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) develops in allergy sufferers shortly after exposure to certain allergens such as insect bites and foods but is also seen, for example, by medical allergies. The condition can be untreated to be fatal in a short period of time
  • If a person gets an allergic reaction, call for professional help immediately
  • Often allergy sufferers themselves have adrenaline (epiphene) or inhaled medicine – help the person take the medicine or inject if they can not self
  • In case of shock and unconsciousness, normal first aid is exercised

Background

  • A severe allergic reaction, also called anaphylaxis , can lead to shock and life-threatening difficulty breathing
  • The condition can develop within seconds or minutes in allergy sufferers who are exposed to a specific allergenic substance
  • Almost any allergenic substance can trigger the reaction, e.g. insect sticks, pollen, certain foods, drugs
  • Some have anaphylactic reactions for unknown reasons

Typical symptoms and signs

  • Rapid development of severe signs of disease: difficulty breathing, bleeding, general malaise
  • Often severe hives (large blisters of different sizes). Eyes and lips can also quickly lift up
  • The inside of the throat may raise, which may cause respiratory distress
  • Quick heart rate, cold, sweating
  • Dizziness, confusion, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting may accompany the severe allergic reaction
  • Anxiety is a natural consequence

First aid

  • Call 112 and call ambulance
  • Leading preferably flat possibly. With the legs upstairs. If the patient is unable to breathe, put him to bed
    • Help him / her find a possible syringe of adrenaline (epiphene) that he / she wears
    • Check if the affected person has taken medication to be inhaled (inhaled), swallowed or injected (injected) to counteract the allergy
    • Optionally, you can help give the syringe typically given in the thigh
  • Give information
    • If you know the cause of the severe allergic reaction, inform the ambulance staff about it
  • By unconsciousness
    • If unconscious, ensure free airways. Check the breathing
    • If the person breathes, put him / her in a stable side lane
    • If he / she does not breathe – start resuscitation ( child / adult )

Prevention

  • If you have had anaphylactic reaction earlier, you should include medicines that can be used to counteract the reaction
  • Adrenaline is the recommended medication for severe allergic reaction
  • The effects of the medicine are only transient. So it is vital that you get professional medical help as soon as possible
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