There is no substitute for epinephrine, which is the only first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Neither antihistamines nor glucocorticoids work as quickly as epinephrine, and neither can effectively treat the severe symptoms associated with anaphylaxis.
Fatal outcomes due to anaphylaxis are rare,25, 26 and around 80% of reactions resolve without (or despite no treatment with) adrenaline. However, severe reactions cannot be predicted,1 thus all anaphylaxis reactions must be treated as potentially life-threatening.
Q: What do you do if someone goes into anaphylactic shock without an EpiPen? A: Make sure that you've called 911. If antihistamines are on-hand, these can be administered and may provide some relief, but antihistamines are never a suitable medication for fully treating anaphylactic shock.
an oxygen mask may be used to help breathing. fluids may be given directly into a vein to help increase blood pressure. additional medicines such as antihistamines and steroids may be used to help relieve symptoms. blood tests may be carried out to confirm anaphylaxis.
Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to ease redness, itching or swelling. If itching or swelling is bothersome, take an oral antihistamine that contains diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine. Avoid scratching the sting area. This will worsen itching and swelling and increase your risk of infection.
Anaphylactic reactions can vary greatly from person to person, or from one reaction to the next. The symptoms may get worse within only a few minutes. They then often stay at the same level of severity for a while and then go away again on their own.
It mostly occurs within 20 minutes to 2 hours after exposure to the allergen. Signs and symptoms may be mild at first, but can rapidly worsen. A small number of people suddenly develop signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) without any signs of a mild to moderate allergic reaction.
EpiPens should be used when a person is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, to something that they have ingested or that has penetrated their body, such as a bee sting. Symptoms can occur rapidly and worsen quickly.
When Do You Not Need an EpiPen? Not every allergic reaction calls for an injection of epinephrine – in fact, most of them do not. Common allergic reactions include runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, red eyes, a scratchy throat or cough, and even hives. Sometimes, these reactions resolve on their own.
Not all allergies require the use of an EpiPen; those which are suspected to cause anaphylaxis DO! Only your physician can recommend whether or not an EpiPen is right for you.
Anaphylaxis symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Sometimes, however, anaphylaxis can occur a half-hour or longer after exposure. In rare cases, anaphylaxis may be delayed for hours.
About Adrenaline
Adrenaline acts quickly to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis. It opens up the airways by reducing swelling and raises blood pressure. It needs to be given as soon as possible when there are any signs of a serious allergic reaction. Serious symptoms are easier to reverse when they're treated early.
Is EpiPen Available Without a Prescription? (OTC) In the U.S., you cannot buy EpiPen unless you have a prescription from your doctor. Some schools do stock the product for emergency use, but use in that setting would still be under the direction of a health care provider.
The sharp sting will hurt but lasts less than 10 seconds. The deep ache can last up to a minute. As EpiPens are auto-injectors, the process is easy, and you don't have to worry about not administering the injection perfectly; it's pretty hard to get it wrong.
Anaphylactic reactions often begin with a feeling of uneasiness, followed by tingling sensations and dizziness. People then rapidly develop severe symptoms, including generalized itching and hives, swelling, wheezing and difficulty breathing, fainting, and/or other allergy symptoms.
The first-line treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine (adrenaline). It is available by prescription in an auto-injector. A delay in using epinephrine is common in severe food allergic reaction deaths. Epinephrine works to reverse the life-threatening symptoms.
If it's severe enough and left untreated, anaphylaxis can cause you to go into shock. Signs of shock often include rapid breathing, pale or clammy skin, dizziness, and a rapid, weak pulse.
Anaphylaxis symptoms occur suddenly and can progress quickly. The early symptoms may be mild, such as a runny nose, a skin rash or a “strange feeling.” These symptoms can quickly lead to more serious problems, including: Trouble breathing. Hives or swelling. Tightness of the throat.
Most reactions are mild. A severe allergic reaction (i.e. anaphylaxis) involves a person's breathing and/or circulation. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction and is life threatening. An important aspect of allergy and anaphylaxis management is prevention by avoiding the cause.
throat tightness or feeling like the throat or airways are closing. hoarseness or trouble speaking. wheezing or cough. nasal stuffiness.
Antihistamines DO NOT stop the progression of an anaphylaxis. Antihistamines only help to decrease itching and reduce mild/moderate swelling of the face, lips and eyes. DO NOT SHOWER as this may contribute to a drop in blood pressure which can escalate the severity of an allergic reaction.