Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs suddenly and can progress rapidly. It is estimated that anaphylaxis affects 1 in every 1,000 people in Australia. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, hives, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and collapse. Treatment for anaphylaxis is immediate administration of adrenaline, usually in the form of auto-injectors (such as EpiPen or Anapen). Adrenaline works to relieve the symptoms of anaphylaxis by targeting receptors on the surface of cells. It stimulates the heart rate and increases blood pressure, helping to relieve symptoms such as swelling and difficulty breathing. It also increases airway diameter, which helps to improve airflow. Adrenaline also helps to reduce the release of chemicals that cause inflammation, reducing the severity of the allergic reaction.
The 2 Adrenaline auto injector devices in Australia work in the same way. The EpiPen, which alot of people are familiar with, and the AnaPen. Each device has prefilled Adrenaline with a specific dose, depending on the patients age and weight. Both devices are administered to the lateral (outside) upper thigh and held for 3 seconds. This can be repeated every 5 minutes if symptoms remain unchanged or become worse.
The Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website has some fantastic information which is dedicated to helping individuals and carers alike in managing allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis. https://allergyfacts.org.au/
In our First Aid courses we teach you the signs and symptoms to look out for and how to use both the EpiPen and AnaPen. Book a course today and be prepared for the unexpected.
Download our free Anaphylaxis First Aid Chart, keep it in your first aid kit for a handy reference in an emergency.