Life Saving Tips in Case of Anaphylactic Shock

Latex allergy is a serious health risk and if you or anyone you know is suffering from this allergy you should know what steps to take if in case an allergic reaction leads to anaphylactic shock.

First of all, you should know what an anaphylactic shock is so you’re more equipped to notice if anyone is already going through this life-threatening situation.

Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction to an allergen wherein the following symptoms occur:

• Appearance of hives and the skin itches and looks pale or flushed
• The face, eyes, lips or throat start to swell
• The person finds it difficult to breathe because the airway becomes constricted
• The person starts to wheeze and sometimes he even shows signs of choking
• Pulse rate gets weaker and rapid
• The person experiences nausea, vomiting and sometimes even diarrhea
• The person feels dizzy and could even faint and lose consciousness

When these symptoms occur it’s important that you’re ready to take action and administer first aid right away to the person going through an anaphylactic shock.

If you’re the one experiencing it you should stay calm and have presence of mind to administer first aid to yourself.

Now here are the steps you should take to prevent an anaphylactic shock from claiming a life:

1. Call 911
2. Ask the person if he has an epinephrine autoinjector/If you’re the one going through an anaphylactic shock don’t wait for it to worsen. If you have your epinephrine shot with you administer it right away.
3. If he has an epinephrine shot help him inject the medication by pressing it into his thigh/If you’re the one experiencing an anaphylactic shock and you feel that you’re already too weak to administer the epinephrine shot to yourself have the nearest person administer it
4. Once the medication has been injected into his bloodstream make the person lie down on his back
5. Help him breathe more effectively by loosening any clothing that surrounds his throat (collar, etc.).
6. Cover him with a blanket to prevent chills
7. If the person starts to vomit or bleed through the mouth have him lie down on his side so that he won’t choke
8. Perform CPR if the person stops breathing, perform chest presses (100 per minute) until the paramedics arrive
9. If you’re the one experiencing anaphylaxis and you notice that the symptoms are starting to go away don’t be complacent and postpone medical treatment. Get treated right away because anaphylaxis can still recur.

It’s important that you’re focused and aware of the necessary steps to prevent anaphylaxis from killing someone because you can never be too sure if you or someone you know could suddenly go through this life-threatening situation.

In fact, one concert attendee almost died when balloons were released on the crowd and her latex allergy got triggered.

Fortunately, she was rushed to the hospital right away where she was treated for anaphylaxis and survived.