First Aid for Severe Allergies and Anaphylaxis

Serious allergies and anaphylaxis are serious medical conditions that require immediate attention. Here is a complete guide on how to provide first aid in these situations.

What is Severe Allergy and Anaphylaxis?

Serious allergies are extreme reactions of the immune system to substances that are normally harmless, such as food, pollen, insect venom, medications, and others. Anaphylaxis is the most serious form of allergic reaction that can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of a severe allergy or anaphylaxis can vary from person to person, but usually include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the throat, lips and face
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rash or hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heart palpitations

First Aid for Severe Allergies

If someone is showing signs of a severe allergic reaction, it's crucial to act quickly:

1. Call medical emergency immediately.
2. Try to keep the person calm and comfortable. Stress can make the allergic reaction worse.
3. If the person has an epinephrine autoinjector (such as an EpiPen), help them use it. This can reduce the severity of the allergic reaction.
4. If the person becomes unconscious, place them on their side in a recovery position to avoid suffocation if they vomit.
5. Perform CPR if the person stops breathing or if the heart stops.

First Aid for Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Call medical emergency immediately.
2. Help the person use their epinephrine autoinjector, if available.
3. Lay the person down and elevate the feet to improve blood circulation.
4. If the person becomes unconscious, place him on his side in a recovery position.
5. If the person stops breathing or if the heart stops, begin CPR immediately.

Conclusion

Serious allergies and anaphylaxis are serious conditions that require quick action. Knowing the symptoms and knowing how to provide first aid can save lives. However, prevention remains the best way to manage severe allergies. People with knowledge of their allergies should avoid known triggers and always carry an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed.