Epinephrine is the only medication that can reverse anaphylaxis symptoms. It is safe, easy to use, and effective – that’s why parents with allergic kids are turning to EpiPen Canada to help improve symptoms.
Millions of Canadian citizens experience allergic reactions each year, and the best treatment will depend on the severity and cause of the reaction. An allergic reaction happens when cells in the immune system perceive allergen or foreign substances as harmful. So it overreacts to these substances and triggers histamine production – a chemical that causes sneezing, inflammation, coughing, among other allergy symptoms.
When the allergic symptoms are only mild, they are easily be managed with natural remedies and over-the-counter medications. In many cases, treatments like antihistamines, NSAIDs, nasal decongestants, anti-inflammatory medicines, saline sinus rinse, lozenges, and topical creams can suffice. However, severe cases, like anaphylaxis, need emergency medical care. Medical experts often recommend EpiPen Canada, a self-injectable dose of epinephrine that’s effective in treating the condition. But they can also inject a patient with adrenaline or hormone epinephrine to increase blood flow throughout the body.
With that in mind, let’s look at a more in-depth look at the management of severe allergic reactions
Seek emergency care
Anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can affect multiple organs when left unattended, leading to organ failure, coma, and even death. The condition is characterized by:
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained anxiety or dizziness
- Swollen face, mouth, throat, and tongue
- Tingling in lips, feet, and palms
- Rapid but weak palms
- Confusion
- Blue or very pale skin
- Loss of consciousness
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Sense of doom or dread
Self-inject with EpiPen
If the patient carries EpiPen, he or she can self-inject to relieve the symptoms. The injection should be done following the onset of anaphylaxis. The good thing about EpiPen is that it cannot harm if it’s a false alarm, so there’s nothing to worry about. It is advisable for one always to carry at least two shots of epinephrine. Patients who have had diabetes, thyroid disorder, mental illness, depression, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, high blood pressure should talk to their doctor before using EpiPen.
Keep the person calm
If you are caring for the patient, it is a good idea to try to keep them calm. As we have discussed earlier, severe allergic reactions can cause one to be anxious, dizzy, and even unable to breathe freely. Helping them calm down can help ease these symptoms. And this can be as easy as assisting them in lying on their back, loosening their clothing, and raising their feet about 12 inches. If the patient is bleeding or vomiting, turn them to their side to avoid choking and discomfort.
Perform a CPR
If the patient is not breathing, moving, or coughing, you may want to perform a CPR. This might sound a bit complicated when you aren’t formally trained to offer CPR. The practice involves doing chest presses until help arrives.
Conclusion
Anaphylaxis can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, shock, and trouble breathing. Unfortunately, this condition can happen in minutes following exposure to an allergen. That’s why patients who are prone to anaphylaxis should always carry EpiPen.