Treating an Allergic Reaction

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Food-allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and even fatal.  Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the first line treatment for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Delayed use of epinephrine during an anaphylactic reaction has been associated with deaths. Other medications that are also used to treat an allergic reaction may be chosen by the treating physician.

If a doctor has prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, ask for training on how to use it, be aware of your auto-injector’s expiration date, and carry it with you at all times! Delayed use of epinephrine has been associated with deaths due to anaphylaxis.

If you or your child has a food allergy, a Food Allergy/Emergency Action Plan will outline the recommended treatment depending on symptoms. This plan, which your doctor should complete, will also include emergency contact numbers.

Severe reactions should be monitored at your local emergency room. Once epinephrine is administered, you should call 911 and advise dispatchers that you have just used epinephrine for a suspected food-induced anaphylactic reaction.

The treating emergency physician should provide you with a refill prescription for the epinephrine auto-injector. You should also make an appointment with your doctor to follow up on the cause of the allergic reaction.

Emergency Room

A visit to a hospital emergency room can be intimidating, scary, and stressful. First, it’s critical that you inform the staff when you check in that the reason you are there is because of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction.

If you have with you your Food Allergy Action Plan, signed by your doctor, share it with the hospital staff. Also indicate if you have already taken any medication.

Hospitals are set up as a triage. Therefore, patients who are critical are seen first. If you are asked to wait, but then experience worsening of symptoms, let the staff know.

Some individuals may experience a biphasic reaction, which is a reaction that occurs after the initial symptoms have gone away. Therefore it is recommended that patients be observed in the hospital for at least four hours after a reaction has been treated.

If the hospital releases the patient before that time, consider waiting in the hospital waiting room or in the vicinity to ensure medical care is immediately available should a biphasic reaction occur.

Finally, if you used your last epinephrine auto-injector to treat the reaction prior to going to the hospital, make sure to ask the emergency room physician for a prescription for a refill.