Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis (pronounced “an-a-fi-LAK-sis”) is a severe and potentially life-threatening form of allergic reaction, usually occurring 5 to 30 minutes after exposure to an allergen. Anaphylaxis differs from other allergic reactions in that it involves more than one of the body’s systems (e.g. hives on the skin AND difficulty breathing). If you believe you are having an anaphylactic reaction, do not hesitate to use your epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Allerject, etc.).

LEARN TO RECOGNIZE AN ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION:

HOW TO TREAT AN ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION:

  1. Administer epinephrine at the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction.

  2. Call 911 and inform them that you or someone is having an anaphylactic reaction.

  3. If symptoms do not improve, administer a second dose of epinephrine as early as 5 mins after the first dose.

  4. Immediately go to the nearest hospital for treatment and monitoring even if symptoms have stopped.

Do not hesitate to use epinephrine. Do not solely treat with antihistamines or corticosteroids as symptoms can worsen quickly and without warning.