First responders
Signs of anaphylaxis:
Difficult or noisy breathing
Swelling of the tongue
Swelling or tightness in the throat
Difficulty talking and voice sounds hoarse
Dizziness or collapse
Common triggers: foods (eg peanuts, eggs, cows milk, soy, tree nuts, shell fish); insects (~3%); medication
Uncommon triggers: latex; exercise; cold temperature; immunization (rare; 1 in 250 000 doses; usually a reaction to ingredient rather than vaccine material; 5-30 minutes following vaccine); idiopathic
First approach:
1. Remove allergen
2. Call for assistance
3. Must lie down (improves venous return; no standing or walking around; recovery position if vomiting)
4. IM injection of adrenaline (epinephrine) (repeat every 5 minutes)
5. Give oxygen if available
6. Phone for ambulance
7. Be prepared to give CPR
8. Give no food or drink
If unsure of asthma of anaphylaxis:
1. Give IM adrenaline first
2. Give asthma reliever medications
3. Call for an ambulance
4. Follow action as if anaphylaxis
5. Keep giving asthma first aid
Related:
Anaphylaxis (Clinical Emergencies)
Anaphylaxis (Allergy and Immunology)
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