1. Lesson 17: Allergies and Anaphylaxis

2. Objectives Describe basics of allergic reactions and treatment
Define anaphylaxis
List signs/symptoms of anaphylaxis
Describe conditions when injection of epinephrine is considered
Describe use of EpiPen® and Twinject® systems

3. Objectives Describe function of oral antihistamines in anaphylaxis
Discuss when and how much oral antihistamines to use
Describe situations when evacuation is required
Describe how some allergic reactions can be prevented

4. Allergies and Anaphylaxis Overview
The immune system releases histamines in response to presence of foreign substances (allergens).
Allergic reaction occurs when there is an overproduction of histamines
2 stages of allergic reactions, life threatening and non life threatening
Anaphylactic shock is severe, life threatening allergic reaction

5. Allergies and Anaphylaxis Overview
Epinephrine is prescription drug that reverses overproduction of histamines
Allergens can be ingested, inhaled, injected, absorbed
What kinds of substances can cause an allergic reaction?

6. Allergies and Anaphylaxis Overview
Some allergens:
Foods
Drugs
Pollen
Bee venom
Plant oils (poison ivy most common)
Know what your group is allergic to
Medical forms, medical id tags
Friends/family knowledge
medications

7. Signs/Symptoms for Non Life Threatening Allergies
Stuffy noise/congestion
Flushed and itchy skin
Sneezing
Nasal discharge (runny nose)
Itchy and watery eyes
Swelling (ex around bite)
hives

8. Care for non Life Threatening Allergies
Remove allergen or move patient from allergen
Help patient self-administer oral anti-histamine if he can swallow and no known reaction to it

9. Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is severe allergic reaction and is life threatening
Signs/symptoms can appear in < 5 min and most often in 45 min to 1hour
Look for medical ID tag for info about allergies or if patient is prescribed auto-injector
Determine if allergen is still present and if reaction may re-occur.

10. Signs/Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
Look/listen and feel for signs/symptoms
Signs/symptoms of non-life threatening allergies followed by shock and altered mental status
Extreme wheezing
Redness of the skin or hives
Inability to speak or only 1 or 2 work clusters
Swelliing of face, lips, tongue, sometimes hands and feet

11. Caring for Anaphylaxis
Epinephrine avail commercially by prescription. Injected into patient using EpiPen® or Twinject®
Know who has allergies and who has injectors
Know where the injectors are
Epinephrine can be ruined by extreme hot or cold

12. Caring for Anaphylaxis
If patient is experiencing anaphylaxis
Remove allergen
Immediately help patient admin epinephrine
Repeat injection if first one fails or relapse occurs
After injection and once patient can breathe and swallow easily
Help patient self administer oral antihistamine
Keep patient well hydrated

13. Guidelines for Evacuation
Some allergic reactions and anaphylaxis require rapid evac
Non life threatening reactions can be managed in the field
GO FAST for anyone treated for anaphylaxis. During evac keep patient well hydrated.

14. Preventing Allergic Reactions
How can allergic reactions be prevented?

15. Preventing Allergic Reactions
Avoid taking a known allergen on a trip (ex no peanuts if someone allergic to them)
Be aware if a member of group could experience an allergic reaction
Make sure that everyone in group is aware of different types of allergens