Watch the steps

Dust, pollen, food, or other inherently harmless triggers can cause a variety of allergic reactions. There are allergy sufferers who may only show mild symptoms, but there are also people who have a severe reaction that requires first aid.

Allergies occur because the immune system mistakenly recognizes harmless substances as a threat. The immune system then delivers on a massive scale of self-defense and creates an allergic reaction as a result. First aid measures can be useful for relieving an allergic reaction, even saving lives in certain cases.

First aid steps in mild allergic reactions

The most common symptoms of allergies include itchy skin, watery eyes, and sneezing. However, in certain cases, an allergic reaction can be so severe that it develops into life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Sometimes, even people with severe allergies do not immediately show severe symptoms. Allergic reactions may appear gradually, from a stuffy nose to shortness of breath due to swelling of the respiratory tract.

Before a mild reaction turns into a dangerous one, here are the steps that can be taken if you or those around you experience allergies.

1. Identify and avoid triggers

Once allergy symptoms appear, immediately find out what causes them. This first aid step is very important because you can't really avoid allergens (allergens) if you don't know their source.

Allergens can appear in the form of dust, changes in temperature, or even the food you eat. If the trigger is something you are breathing in, immediately move away from the area and move to another location with good air circulation.

If you suspect food is the cause, stop eating foods that trigger allergies and observe how your body reacts. In some people, a food allergy can have a very severe reaction.

2. Using available drugs

Mild allergic reactions usually get better on their own or with the use of allergy medications, either over-the-counter or prescription. Allergy medications can be taken directly, applied to the skin, dropped into the eyes, and others.

Most oral medications are effective against common allergy symptoms such as itching, nasal congestion, or swelling of the lips. The following types of drugs are often consumed.

• Antihistamines: Chlorpheniramine, cetirizine, loratadine, and diphenhydramine.
• Corticosteroids: Prednisolone and methylprednisolone.
• Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine.
• Combination of several classes of allergy drugs at once.

Allergens also often cause skin reactions in the form of bumps, blisters, discoloration, and the like. First aid for allergic skin reactions usually involves topical (topical) corticosteroid medications such as:

• Betamethasone,
• Desonide,
• Hydrocortisone, or
• Mometasone.

When an allergy trigger affects the eyes, common symptoms include itchy, red, and watery eyes. You can relieve these symptoms with drops in the form of:

• Antihistamines: Ketotifen, olopatadine, pheniramine, and naphazoline.
• Corticosteroids: Fluorometholone, loteprednol, prednisolone.
• Mast cell stabilizer: Cromolyn, lodoxamide, nedocromil .

In addition to oral medications, topicals, and eye drops, allergy sufferers sometimes also need nasal sprays. This medicine is effective in relieving nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing and itching.

Nasal sprays for allergy sufferers usually contain medicines:

• Antihistamines: Azelastine, olopatadine.
• Corticosteroids: Budesonide, fluticasone furoate / propionate, mometasone.
• Decongestants: Oxymetazoline, tetrahydrozoline.

In general, allergy medications sold in pharmacies can be relied upon as first aid when an allergic reaction occurs. Even so, you still need to follow the recommended usage listed on the drug packaging and not use it excessively.

Allergy medications are no different from medicines in general which have a number of side effects. The indiscriminate use of drugs can increase the risk of side effects and may worsen existing symptoms.

You should consult your doctor before using any type of allergy medication. You may need to change your medication if the allergic reaction gets worse or if you have a worrisome effect, but make sure this is according to your doctor's orders.

First aid for anaphylactic reactions

Some allergy sufferers are at risk for a severe reaction known as anaphylactic shock. This rare reaction causes airway constriction and a drastic drop in blood pressure which will get worse if not treated promptly.

Anaphylaxis is treated with epinephrine injections. These drugs work by reversing the severe reactions caused by the immune system so that breathing, blood pressure, and other affected body systems can return to normal functioning.

However, epinephrine injections are only used as first aid when there is a severe allergic reaction. These reactions may reappear in the next few hours so that the patient still needs medical attention.

If you are with someone who is experiencing anaphylactic shock, here are the steps you need to take.

1. Immediately call the ambulance or the emergency number of the nearest hospital.
2. Ask if the patient carries an epinephrine injection. If the patient is unable to inject himself, help the patient to inject the thigh.
3. Lay the patient in a supine position.
4. Loosen the tight part of the clothing, then cover the patient's body with the blanket or cloth provided.
5. If the patient vomits or has blood from the mouth, change the position of the body so that it is facing to the side to prevent choking.
6. Do not give him any drinks or liquids that can choke him.
7. If the patient is unable to breathe or move, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. The steps will be explained further.
8. If the patient's condition has begun to normalize, keep an eye on the symptoms. Anaphylactic shock can recur within the next few hours.

If you or someone close to you has an anaphylactic reaction, don't wait for the symptoms to improve. Give first aid immediately because a very severe allergic reaction can cause death within half an hour.

How to use epinephrine (EpiPen)

Epinephrine is a fast-acting emergency allergy medication and is especially important for people who are at risk for anaphylaxis. Since anaphylaxis can be fatal, you should take this medicine as soon as a severe allergic reaction begins to show.

Before using an epinephrine injection, check the blue safety seal that is on the end. Ensure that the seal is not lifted and that the syringe can be moved easily. Do not use the injection if both components are problematic.

In order for the drug to have an optimal effect, you also have to know how to use it for yourself and others. Here's how to use epinephrine (EpiPen).

1. Remove the syringe from the carrying tube carefully.
2. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand with the orange tip down. Make sure your finger is not too close to the tip of the syringe.
3. Use your other hand to pull out the blue security seal. Pull it up and don't twist or bend it.
4. Inject the orange tip into the middle of the upper thigh. Push it until you hear a "click" sound. This means that epinephrine has entered your body.
5. Hold the syringe for at least three seconds, then pull it back out.
6. Gently rub the area of ​​the injection skin for ten seconds.
7. Call the ambulance or emergency number of the nearest hospital.

How to perform heart-lung resuscitation (CPR)

CPR is first aid when a person with severe allergies cannot breathe. This technique will use up rescuers, so make sure you are with someone else and have called an ambulance for medical assistance.

Here's how to do CPR that you can do in an emergency.

1. If your dominant hand is your right hand, place the base of your left hand in the center of the patient's chest.
2. Place your right hand on top of your left, then lock the fingers.
3. Position your body so that your shoulders are just above your hands.
4. Use your body weight (not just arm strength) to squeeze the patient's chest approximately 5-6 cm deep.
5. Reduce pressure and allow the patient's chest to return to its original position.
6. Repeat pressing the patient's chest 100-120 times in one minute until the ambulance arrives or you become exhausted.

Allergic reactions vary widely from person to person, from simple itching to triggering fatal anaphylactic shock. Never ignore an allergic reaction in your body, especially if you have had a severe reaction.

For some people, the first aid steps they get are not only useful for relieving allergy symptoms, but also save lives. Consult your allergy problem with your doctor so that you better understand what kind of anticipatory steps need to be taken.