How to Deal With an Anaphylactic Reaction
- 1
Hives or Allergic Uticaria
Watch carefully if a person begins to complain of breathing problems. The symptoms will appear as asthma since the same mechanism is occurring; the bronchial tubes are closing or narrowing. Often the neck and face swell with hives. Well-known allergens include shellfish, eggs, peanut butter and even milk. However, external causes, such as grasses, can also play a dangerous role. - 2). Call 911. Request an emergency ambulance advising that it is a dire situation. Do not try to go to the hospital on your own because you do not know what type of traffic you may run into. There is no way to go through a traffic jam. Additionally, if the victim begins to struggle, there is nothing that you can do to help. Finally, you may get to the emergency room and not get emergency treatment because emergency personnel will often not listen to a civilian.
- 3
Adrenaline ampulle
Check the victim's body or belongings for possible medications for anaphylactic shock. These would include but not be limited to epinephrine or an antihistamine pill. If there is an "injector," follow the instructions and administer the shot. Keep the victim quiet so that oxygen is not used unnecessarily and he is kept as relaxed as possible, considering the symptoms. - 4). After doing everything possible with any available medications, provide basic anaphylaxis first aid. Do not give the victim any type of liquid to drink. It is important to cover him with a blanket for warmth and to battle shock. Lay the victim down with his feet elevated. There may be vomiting or bleeding from the mouth; turn his head to the side to drain the fluids. Hopefully, if required you are prepared to perform CPR. Take his pulse to determine heart rate and whether or not there is a solid rhythm.
- 5). Ride in the ambulance with the victim so that you can advise the paramedic with what has occurred. If you cannot, follow the ambulance to the hospital. Chances are the victim will be treated with epinephrine and oxygen and watched. As long as the symptoms recede, the victim will probably be sent home. If the symptoms do not recede, the victim will probably be hospitalized and given an all-encompassing medication to offset the unknown allergen effects. Upon release in either event, the victim will be given medication for any future occurrences now that he is aware of his allergy potential.
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