Anaphylaxis
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Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe medical condition that needs immediate treatment, it is an allergic reaction caused by a huge over-reaction in the body’s immune system. It is life threatening and can happen extremely quickly. Anaphylaxis is commonly caused by food, drugs or stings. During a reaction the body produces huge quantities of a chemical called histamine causing rashes, swelling and itching. In extreme cases histamine can cause airway, breathing or circulation problems.
Is it Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis normally starts very quickly – usually within minute with rapid progression.
Anaphylaxis presents with Airway, Breathing and Circulation problems.
Anaphylaxis is usually accompanied by a skin rash and/or swelling (not all casualties have this).
Symptoms include:
- swelling of the throat and tongue
- difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- difficulty swallowing, tightness in the casualty’s throat or a hoarse voice
- wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- feeling tired or confused
- feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- skin that feels cold to the touch
- blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue –this may be easier to see on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet.
Treatment
- Call 999/112 for emergency help
- Lay the casualty down and raise their legs if they feel light-headed or faint. Do not sit them up.
- If the casualty carries an auto injector they should be able to inject themselves on their own but if necessary – assist them.
- If the casualty becomes unconscious check Airway and Breathing and resuscitate if necessary
- A second injector can be used after 5 minutes if there is no improvement, or the symptoms return.
How to use an adrenaline auto-injector
There are different types of adrenaline auto-injectors and each one is given differently.
- Emerade instructions (Emerade website)
- EpiPen instructions (EpiPen website)
- Jext for adults instructions (Jext website)
- Jext for children instructions (Jext website)
For more information about anaphylaxis book on one of our first aid courses.