Anaphylactic reaction (anaphylaxis) is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can develop in a matter of minutes.
What are the signs of an anaphylactic reaction?
The reaction usually starts with itching and tingling of the palms, scalp and lips. Hives appear and skin turns red. There may be swelling especially in the face and around the airways. The person may have a hoarse voice and their breathing can become wheezy. They may have stomach cramps, nausea or diarrhoea.
Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that always requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is often caused by foods such as nuts, fish, milk and eggs, wasp or bee stings or certain medicines.
The only effective treatment for anaphylaxis is adrenaline administered intramuscularly.
What to do if someone is having an anaphylactic reaction:
Call the emergency number to get help.
If the patient is carrying an adrenaline autoinjector that a doctor has prescribed for them to use in an emergency, help them to inject their medicine. Follow the instructions on the pen. If the person’s symptoms have not improved after 10 minutes and they have a second autoinjector, you can help them to inject a second dose.
Make sure that the person stays still and keep monitoring their condition as you wait for professional help to arrive.
For more information about anaphylaxis, visit https://www.allergia.fi/allergia/anafylaksia/.