Allergies
An allergy is a reaction by the body to a substance to which the patient is sensitive e.g. stings, food, medications, seafood, peanut-butter, eggs. If a person is known to have a severe reaction to a substance they should wear a Medic-Alert bracelet/necklace
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a substance previously, the next reaction will be worse than the one before.
A local reaction
Signs and Symptoms
- Swelling and redness at site of sting / bite/ allergen
- Rash at site
Treatment
- Check for a Medic-Alert bracelet/necklace
- Use Stingose or similar to alleviate pain and limit reaction
A system-wide allergic reaction Can be life-threatning
A system-wide allergic reaction affects all body systems including heart-rate, breathing and the airway
Signs and Symptoms
- May occur within seconds or take minutes from exposure
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Difficulty breathing – the breathing may cease
- Lowered level of consciousness
- May be swelling of the face and / or neck
Treatment
DIAL EMERGENCY IMMEDIATELY
- If patient is conscious it is easier for him to breathe sitting up
- Check for Medic-Alert necklace/bracelet
- Does the patient carry anti-allergen medication?
- Is Anna Kit/Epipen or something similar available?
- Assist with medication and monitor
- Perform rescue breathing if required and follow SkillsforLife Cycle
Children:
Mild allergy-affecting-asthma occurs in probably one out of 50 children under the age of two. Most childhood allergies are outgrown by the age of three. In older children and adults it is less frequent, affecting about one in 500 people. If the common foods causing allergies are not introduced to a child’s diet until they are 2 years of age they are less likely to develop life long allergies.
Be vigilant with children with known allergies. If they have medication provided, make sure it is taken with them if the child is taken on a trip or outing etc.
For comprehensive first aid information please refer to the MediTrain First Aid Manual or complete a MediTrain First Aid training course.
This First Aid tip is just one example of the contents of the SkillsforLife First Aid Manual.