Even if you don’t have food allergies yourself, chances are you know someone who does — and in an emergency, your quick action could save a life.
“Being prepared isn’t just for people with allergies. It’s for everyone around them,” says allergist and immunologist Dr. Harold Kim. “Reactions can happen at school, at a dinner party, even in a grocery store.”
Be in the know
The first thing to know is how to recognize the signs. Severe allergic reactions often start suddenly and can show in a variety of ways, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the lips or throat, hives, vomiting or dizziness. Sometimes, symptoms seem minor at first but can escalate in minutes. That’s why acting fast is critical.
It’s vital to know when to use an epinephrine auto-injector. It should be given at the first sign of a reaction that involves the airway, causes a drop in blood pressure or affects more than one body system, such as both the skin and stomach.
To use an EpiPen, remove the blue safety cap, press the orange tip firmly into the outer thigh — through clothing is fine — and hold it in place for about three seconds. It’s important to stay with the person after injection as the effects of epinephrine can wear off and there’s a chance of a second reaction. Seek medical assistance or go to the emergency room after using an epinephrine auto-injector.
Being allergy aware could save a life. Find more information at epipen.ca.
— News Canada
