Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, can result in shock, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. Individuals with allergies may experience anaphylaxis within minutes of exposure to a specific allergen, but it may also occur without an identifiable trigger or with a delayed response.
If you are present with someone experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, take immediate action by calling 911 or your local emergency number. Check if the person has an epinephrine autoinjector and assist with administering it, if needed, by pressing it against their thigh. Ensure that the person is lying flat and motionless, and cover them with a blanket after loosening tight clothing. Do not give them anything to drink if they are experiencing vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, and turn them to the side to avoid choking. If there are no signs of breathing, coughing, or movement, begin performing CPR with uninterrupted chest compressions of about 100 per minute until paramedics arrive.
It is important to seek emergency treatment immediately, even if symptoms appear to improve. Untreated anaphylaxis can lead to death within 30 minutes. Hospital monitoring for several hours is typically necessary after an anaphylactic episode.
Note that an antihistamine pill, such as Benadryl, is not sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. Although these medications may alleviate allergy symptoms, they are not effective enough to combat a severe reaction.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include skin reactions such as hives, itching, and flushing, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or throat, narrowing of the airways resulting in wheezing or difficulty breathing/swallowing, a weak and rapid pulse, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Some common triggers for anaphylaxis include medications, latex, and certain foods like peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. Insect stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, and fire ants may also cause anaphylaxis.
If you have experienced a severe allergic reaction in the past, consult with your doctor about carrying an epinephrine autoinjector with you.
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