FIRST AID YOU SHOULD KNOW!

How to treat an Allergic Reaction

Risk Management

WHAT IS AN ALLERGIC REACTION?

A reaction caused by your immune system to protect you from foreign substances, that can make you ill by creating antibodies.

Unfortunately your immune system sometimes identifies foreign bodies as harmful, even though they aren’t.

Common allergens include bee venom, pollen, and pet dander. Common food allergens include peanuts, milk, wheat products, shellfish, and strawberries.

SYMPTOMS

Depend on allergy & person with the allergy Lungs: Chest tightness, cough or

sneezing that will not stop, wheezing, or shortness of breath

Heart: Lightheaded feeling, fainting, weak pulse, low blood pressure

Throat: Tightness of throat, hoarse or scratchy throat, drooling

Mouth: Swollen tongue, lips, slurred speech or blueness around the lips

Skin: Swelling or severe itching of face, scalp, arms or legs or the appearance of large hives on the body.

Stomach: Vomiting, severe cramps, diarrhea

ANAPHYLAXIS - SYMPTOMS

People may experience:

Pain: in the chest or abdomen

Respiratory: difficulty breathing, wheezing, noisy breathing, hyperventilation, or shortness of breath

Skin: rashes, blue skin from poor circulation, swelling under the skin, or hives

Speech: vocal cord spasm or impaired voice

Whole body: fainting, nausea, lightheadedness, flushing, low blood pressure, or dizziness

Also common: feeling of impending doom, tongue swelling, mental confusion, facial swelling, nasal congestion, itching, vomiting, fast heart rate, coughing, or difficulty swallowing

ANAPHYLAXIS

IT IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. LIFE THREATENING - ALWAYS GO TO A DOCTOR, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

At worst case scenario, anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can lead to: Unconsciousness Respiratory failure Cardiac arrest

TREATING MINOR SYMPTOMS

Over the counter, antihistamines & decongestants

Come in forms of tablets, eye drops, and nasal sprays.

Swelling, redness, and itching may be reduced with the ice & topical creams that contain corticosteroids. Acetaminophen can lessen pain.

EPINEPHRINE FOR ANAPHYLAXIS

Epinephrine – adrenaline!

EpiPen – auto injector for thighs (has an expiration date)

Then, check the victim’s airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, perform rescue breathing and CPR.

Try to keep the person calm.

Never attempt to give oral medications to someone who is having trouble breathing or place anything under their head.

Raise the person’s feet about 12 inches and cover them with a blanket.

POISONOUS PLANTS

According to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:

70 % of U.S. residents develop an allergic reaction following exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Symptoms can vary from mild redness and itching to blisters and swelling.

If this happens, don’t scratch. Avoid soap and take a cool shower. Soothe your skin with hydrocortisone creams.

Antihistamines can lessen itching and inflammation.

STINGING INSECTS

If you’re bitten by a stinging insect, remove the stinger using an object with a straight edge (like a credit card) and a brushing motion. If you use tweezers, be careful of pulling or squeezing a stinger may release more venom into your body.

Thoroughly wash the site with soap and water. Apply ice to decrease swelling.

You may use over-the-counter acetaminophen (uh-see-tuh-min-uh-fuhn) for pain.

JELLYFISH STINGS

A jellyfish sting can ruin a perfectly relaxing day at the beach. The skin around the sting can become swollen and red, causing pain and itchiness.

If you’ve had an unfortunate encounter with a jellyfish, wash the site with seawater or in vinegar for 30 minutes. This will neutralize the toxin. Ice can soothe your skin and lessen pain. Use hydrocortisone cream and antihistamine to reduce swelling.

CONCLUSION: BEYOND FIRST AID

Once you’ve had an allergic reaction, it’s important to identify the source so you can avoid it in the future. You should:

Check the ingredients of products around your house. Many contain fragrances or dyes that can irritate your skin.

Read food labels! Packaged foods often contain surprising ingredients.

Stock your medicine cabinet with OTC topical treatment, antihistamines, and pain relievers.

Ask your doctor to prescribe emergency epinephrine if you’ve ever had anaphylaxis. Episodes of anaphylaxis should always be followed up with medical care

SOURCE

http://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergic-reaction-treatment#JellyfishStings8

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