Allergic reactions can happen anywhere, at any time, to anybody. While some allergic reactions cause mild symptoms like an itchy rash, others may require immediate medical treatment. Knowing what to do for an allergic emergency can help save someone’s life. In this blog, we’ll look at how to recognize anaphylaxis and help someone who is having an anaphylactic reaction. 

What are allergic emergencies? 

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that causes a person to go into shock. The most common triggers are foods, insect stings, medications, and latex. Symptoms usually develop within a few seconds or minutes after exposure. Swelling of the airways can lead to death without immediate treatment. Anaphylactic reactions differ from allergic reactions in that they typically affect more than one body system.  

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Shortness of breath

Throat tightness

 Wheezing

Swollen or blue lips

Low blood pressure

Rapid, weak pulse

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Dizziness and fainting

Pale, clammy skin

Immediate treatment with epinephrine is needed

A person who is having an anaphylactic reaction needs a shot of epinephrine right away. Epinephrine should be given into the outer thigh muscle so that it travels through the bloodstream quicker. An auto-injector is the best way to give epinephrine because it is simple for any user, quick and ready to use! Typically, epinephrine should be given while the person is lying down and they should be monitored at all times. Even if the patient feels better, it is important to call EMS immediately. Sometimes, a second shot of epinephrine is needed and anaphylaxis can take days to subside.  

**Never share your medicine(s) with others. Use this medication only for those who are prescribed. Do not give this medicine to children. Also seek emergency medical attention if you accidentally inject yourself while giving epinephrine to another person.**

People who are at risk for severe allergic reactions should always carry their prescription epinephrine with them. There are some injectors that are difficult to administer, which is why AUVI-Q is recommended! AUVI-Q is a compact epinephrine auto-injector that features voice instructions to guide users through every step of the administration. AUVI-Q is about the size of a cell phone and the pack includes two epinephrine auto-injectors, as well as a trainer. 

The AUVI-Q voice instructions begin as soon as the top cap is removed. They guide the user through every step of the injection and even reminds the person to call EMS right away. The AUVI-Q needle stays hidden from view before, during and after the epinephrine shot. The AUVI-Q injector should be given to the paramedics when they arrive.  

How can DiaMedical USA help?

Medical emergencies are scary! Anaphylaxis can happen anywhere, so it’s important that epinephrine is administered quickly and correctly. DiaMedical USA is proud to offer a variety of EpiPen and Auvi-Q Auto Injectors for varying patient weights. Auvi-Q Auto Injectors require a prescription or a completed and signed medical director release form prior to purchase. For more information on purchasing medication from DiaMedical USA contact an account manager at 877-593-6011 or email us at info@diamedicalusa.com.

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**