Lesson 17: Allergies & Anaphylaxis Emergency Reference Guide p. 25-30
Objectives Describe basics of allergic reactions & treatment Define anaphylaxis List signs & symptoms of anaphylaxis Describe conditions when an injection of epinephrine should be considered Describe use of EpiPen and Twinject systems
Objectives (cont d.) Describe function of oral antihistamines in anaphylaxis Discuss when and how much oral antihistamines to use Describe situations when evacuation is required Describe how some allergic reactions can be prevented
Allergies and Anaphylaxis Overview The immune system releases histamines in response to presence of foreign substances (i.e. allergens). Allergic reaction occurs when there is an overproduction of histamines 2 stages of allergic reactions, life threatening & non-life threatening Anaphylactic shock is a severe, life threatening allergic reaction
Allergies and Anaphylaxis Overview (cont d.) Epinephrine is prescription drug that reverses overproduction of histamines Allergens can be ingested, inhaled, injected, absorbed What kinds of substances can cause an allergic reaction?
Allergies and Anaphylaxis Some allergens are: Overview (cont d.) Foods Drugs Pollen Bee venom Plant oils (poison ivy, most common) Know what allergies people in your group have: Medical forms, medical ID tags Friends/family history Medications
Signs/Symptoms for Non-Life Threatening Allergies Stuffy noise/congestion Flushed & itchy skin Sneezing Nasal discharge (i.e. runny nose) Itchy & watery eyes Swelling (i.e. around a bite) Hives (i.e. smooth, itchy, burning patches of skin)
Care for non Life Threatening Allergies Remove allergen, or move patient away from allergen Help patient self-administer oral antihistamine, if he can swallow & has no known reaction to it
Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, & is life threatening Signs/symptoms can appear in < 5 min & most often in 45 min. to 1hour Look for medical ID tag for info about allergies, or if patient has a prescribed auto-injector Determine whether allergen is still present, possibly causing the reaction to re-occur.
Signs/Symptoms of Anaphylaxis Look, listen & feel for signs/symptoms: Signs/symptoms of non-life threatening allergies followed by shock & altered mental status Extreme wheezing Redness of the skin or hives Inability to speak or only 1 or 2 work clusters Swelling of face, lips, tongue, sometimes hands & feet
Caring for Anaphylaxis Epinephrine is available commercially by prescription. Injected into patient using EpiPen or Twinject Know who has allergies & who has injectors Know where the injectors are located Epinephrine can be ruined by extreme heat or cold (caution: do not use, if expired or liquid cloudy)
Caring for Anaphylaxis (cont d.) If patient is experiencing anaphylaxis: Remove allergen Immediately help patient admin. epinephrine Repeat injection, if first one fails or relapse occurs After injection & once patient can breathe and swallow easily: Help patient self-administer oral antihistamine Keep patient well hydrated
Guidelines for Evacuation Some allergic reactions & anaphylaxis require rapid evacuation Non-life threatening reactions can be managed in the field GO FAST for anyone treated for anaphylaxis. During evacuation keep patient well hydrated
Preventing Allergic Reactions How can allergic reactions be prevented? Avoid taking a known allergen on a trip (i.e. no peanuts, if someone allergic to them) Be aware whether any member of group might experience an allergic reaction Make sure that everyone in group is aware of different types of allergens
Preventing Allergic Reactions (cont d.) Avoid taking a known allergen on a trip (i.e. no peanuts, if someone allergic to them) Be aware whether any member of group might experience an allergic reaction Make sure that everyone in group is aware of different types of allergens
Questions??? What else could you add to your First Aid Kit?