Anaphylaxis: Don't lose a second!

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause shock, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and breathing problems. In people with allergies, anaphylaxis can occur minutes after exposure to an allergen, which is a specific allergenic substance. In many cases, there may be a delayed reaction, or anaphylaxis can occur without an obvious trigger.

These are some common triggers of anaphylaxis:

• Medications

• Latex

• Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish

• Insect stings, such as bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants

When to seek emergency medical attention?

If you are with someone experiencing an allergic reaction with signs of anaphylaxis, call 911 or your local emergency medical number immediately.

Don't wait to see if symptoms improve. Seek emergency treatment immediately. A severe case of untreated anaphylaxis can lead to death within half an hour.

The person should receive emergency treatment, even if symptoms begin to improve. After anaphylaxis, symptoms may recur. Observation in a hospital for several hours is often required.

Know the symptoms

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Skin reactions, such as hives, itching, and redness or changes in skin color.

• Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or throat.

• Narrowing of the airways, causing wheezing and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

• Weak, rapid pulse.

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

• Dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness.

Don't waste a second!

After calling 911 or your local emergency medical number, do the following:

• Ask the person if they carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, or others) to treat an allergy attack.

• If the person needs to use an auto-injector, ask if you should assist them injecting the medication. This is usually done by pressing it against the person's thigh.

• Ask the person to lie on their back and remain still.

• Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket.

• If they vomit or have blood coming from their mouth, turn them on their side to prevent choking.

• If there are no signs of breathing, coughing, or movement, begin CPR. Perform approximately 100 chest compressions per minute until paramedics arrive.

• Un antihistamínico, como la difenhidramina (Benadryl), no es suficiente para tratar la anafilaxia. Estos medicamentos pueden ayudar a aliviar los síntomas de la alergia, pero actúan muy lentamente en una reacción grave.

What to avoid?

Do not give anything to drink to a person who has anaphylaxis.

When to call the doctor?

If you've had any type of severe allergic reaction in the past, ask your primary care physician if they should prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector to keep on hand at all times.