A high proportion of people will experience an allergic reaction at some point in their lives. For most, the reaction is mild and can be treated with over-the-counter medication. However, for some people, an allergic reaction can be life-threatening.
This article will discuss the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, as well as how to treat it. Many people value the urgent care near me when it comes to situations that could potentially be life-threatening.
What is Anaphylaxis?
omeone in distress could be a person having an anaphylactic shock. Time is of the essence when it comes to allergy treatment.
It could happen within a few seconds or take minutes to take effect following exposure to something the person is allergic to. This could be from bee stings or peanuts.
What are the Clues to Anaphylaxis?
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the throat or tongue
- Hives
- Dizziness
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help urgently.
Someone in distress could be a person having an anaphylactic shock. Time is of the essence when it comes to treatment.
How is Anaphylaxis Treated?
There are several ways to treat anaphylaxis, but the most important thing to do is call 911 and get to a hospital as soon as possible. Once at the hospital, you will likely be given a shot of epinephrine, which is a hormone that helps to open up the airways and improve blood pressure. You may also be given oxygen, IV fluids, and steroids. In some cases, you may need to be intubated and placed on a ventilator to breathe.
The earlier the treatment can be given the better and, in many cases, it is a life-saving intervention. Either way, those suffering from such a reaction will feel extremely uncomfortable when they need urgent attention. Not all allergies are known when anaphylactic shocks happen, so they might first have to be diagnosed.
Tips if You Have a Known Severe Allergy
If you have a history of severe allergies, it is important to always carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you. Epinephrine auto-injectors are devices that automatically inject a pre-measured dose of epinephrine into the thigh. If you are ever having a severe allergic reaction, you or someone else should give you the injection immediately and then call 911.
It is useful for those who have these devices to receive training on how to use them. This is so they have the ability to administer it themselves or instruct others about how to do it. They are not something a health professional has to be around to use. It, of course, always helps if there is one nearby.
Epinephrine auto-injectors will be given out in prescriptions. It is important to make sure that they are always kept up to date.
Possible Causes of Anaphylaxis
Various things can cause anaphylaxis, but the most common triggers are certain foods, insect stings, and medications. If you have a severe allergy to one of these triggers, it is important to avoid exposure to it and to always carry an epinephrine auto-injector.
Detecting Allergies
There are tests a doctor can do to check for certain allergies, including those to particular foods. Allergic reactions can then be avoided when, for example, particular foods containing nuts are avoided. This is a common food allergy that has resulted in fatalities in the most severe cases.
If you think that you may be having an allergic reaction, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, but it is treatable. With prompt medical treatment, most people make a full recovery. The devices and skilled health professionals are able to help treat patients with known allergies and those yet to be discovered.
