How to Assess an Anaphylactic Reaction

An allergic reaction occurs when the body becomes sensitized to something and overreacts causing the immune system to respond and attack it. Here we will explain how to determine if yourself or a loved one is having a life-threatening type of allergy called anaphylactic shock or reaction

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• * your own sense of observation and in case you are trying to assess your own symptoms, a mirror.

How to assess an anaphylactic reaction.

1. Look at the person's face. In this type of reaction the face, eyelids, lips and tongue get swollen.

2. Look at the person's skin and extremities. Symptoms of anaphylaxis are redness, hives and severe itching. The skin may get a pale or bluish tone. The hands and feet might get swollen as well.

3. Talk to the person. Does the throat feel scratchy or with a lump feeling? Are they having a dry mouth? Does the voice sound hoarse? These symptoms occur due to swelling in the throat that is obstructing the airways.

4. How does the person look? Other symptoms of this type of allergic reaction are: a rapid pulse, sweating, nausea, vomitting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Is the person is dizzy, confused, faint or unconscious? These are very dangerous symptoms of anaphylaxis. A severe drop in blood pressure which can cause heart failure and death. Get the person to a hospital immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Important: Call 9-1-1 immediately if you think yourself or a loved one is having an anaphylactic reaction. Without immediate medical treatment this condition is fatal.

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Resources

• First Aid for Anaphylactic Reactions.
• A wealth of information on this serious health condition.