Anaphylactic Shock Treatment
Anaphylactic shock is a serious and sometimes fatal allergic reaction. While avoidance is a good way to try to prevent an episode of anaphylaxis from occurring, once you are exposed to the allergen within minutes your body will experience anaphylactic shock, which can induce painful symptoms and sometimes even cause unconsciousness or death. Whether you or someone you know has a severe allergy that can cause anaphylactic shock, it is extremely important that you know how to treat this reaction in case of emergency.
Treating Complications
Sometimes during a very severe episode of anaphylactic shock, the symptoms are so dangerous that they may cause you to stop breathing or even cause your heart to stop beating. In order to revive and save the person experiencing these symptoms, you need to focus on both the treatment of the allergic reaction as well as treatment for the heart complication. If this happens, the patient will need CPR and emergency medical attention as soon as possible.
Treating Anaphylaxis
In the case of a severe allergic reaction that results in anaphylactic shock, there are certain life-saving medications that need to be administered right away that will reduce and control the symptoms. The primary medication used to treat anaphylaxis is called epinephrine. Epinephrine is a form of adrenaline which will help the body reduce the severity of its allergic reaction. Other medications administered during anaphylactic shock include intravenous antihistamines and a beta-agonist. The IV will help calm the inflammation of air passages to resume normal breathing and the beta-agonist will help with airway related symptoms.
In Case of Emergency
If you or someone you know is having severe allergy symptoms that may be anaphylactic shock, it is extremely important to think quickly and know what to do. Even if you are unsure if the cause of the suffering is anaphylaxis, the first thing you should do is call 911 to receive emergency medical help. If you can, try to get the patient in a comfortable position, and if possible elevate their legs. Listen to their pulse and breathing, and assess if CPR is necessary and if so, start administering immediately. If available, also administer epinephrine through an auto injector.
Using an Auto Injector
Most people who have a severe allergy carry an auto injector with epinephrine, also called an EpiPen, EpiPen Jr. or Twinject. An EpiPen is a syringe that injects one dose of epinephrine when pressed into the thigh area. If you have a severe allergy, make sure the people usually around you know how to use an EpiPen in case of an emergency attack. Keep the EpiPen with you at all times, especially if your specific trigger is common.
Anaphylaxis is very serious, and can cause life and death situations in those who suffer from it. Learning and making sure those around you know how to treat someone suffering from anaphylactic shock could turn into a life-saving move.
Treating Complications
Sometimes during a very severe episode of anaphylactic shock, the symptoms are so dangerous that they may cause you to stop breathing or even cause your heart to stop beating. In order to revive and save the person experiencing these symptoms, you need to focus on both the treatment of the allergic reaction as well as treatment for the heart complication. If this happens, the patient will need CPR and emergency medical attention as soon as possible.
Treating Anaphylaxis
In the case of a severe allergic reaction that results in anaphylactic shock, there are certain life-saving medications that need to be administered right away that will reduce and control the symptoms. The primary medication used to treat anaphylaxis is called epinephrine. Epinephrine is a form of adrenaline which will help the body reduce the severity of its allergic reaction. Other medications administered during anaphylactic shock include intravenous antihistamines and a beta-agonist. The IV will help calm the inflammation of air passages to resume normal breathing and the beta-agonist will help with airway related symptoms.
In Case of Emergency
If you or someone you know is having severe allergy symptoms that may be anaphylactic shock, it is extremely important to think quickly and know what to do. Even if you are unsure if the cause of the suffering is anaphylaxis, the first thing you should do is call 911 to receive emergency medical help. If you can, try to get the patient in a comfortable position, and if possible elevate their legs. Listen to their pulse and breathing, and assess if CPR is necessary and if so, start administering immediately. If available, also administer epinephrine through an auto injector.
Using an Auto Injector
Most people who have a severe allergy carry an auto injector with epinephrine, also called an EpiPen, EpiPen Jr. or Twinject. An EpiPen is a syringe that injects one dose of epinephrine when pressed into the thigh area. If you have a severe allergy, make sure the people usually around you know how to use an EpiPen in case of an emergency attack. Keep the EpiPen with you at all times, especially if your specific trigger is common.
Anaphylaxis is very serious, and can cause life and death situations in those who suffer from it. Learning and making sure those around you know how to treat someone suffering from anaphylactic shock could turn into a life-saving move.