Recognizing and Responding to a Reaction

Know how to react and respond to the life-threatening food allergy reaction, anaphylaxis

If two mild symptoms or just one severe symptom is being experienced, give epinephrine and call 911. Explore symptoms throughout the body and create a plan to react. 

FOR ANY SEVERE SYMPTOMS

1. ADMINISTER EPINEPHRINE IMMEDIATELY
2. Call 911. Tell emergency dispatcher the person is having anaphylaxis and may need epinephrine when emergency responders arrive.

• Consider giving additional medications following epinephrine:
  • Antihistamine
  • Inhaler (bronchodilator) if wheezing
• Lay the person flat, raise legs and keep warm. If breathing is difficult or they are vomiting, let them sit up or lie on their side.
• If symptoms do not improve, or symptoms return, more doses of epinephrine can be given about 5 minutes or more after the last dose.
• Alert emergency contacts.
• Transport patient to ER, even if symptoms resolve. Patient should remain in ER for at least 4 hours because symptoms may return.

FOR MILD SYMPTOMS FROM MORE THAN ONE SYSTEM AREA, GIVE EPINEPHRINE.

FOR MILD SYMPTOMS FROM A SINGLE SYSTEM AREA, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS BELOW:

1. Antihistamines may be given, if ordered by a healthcare provider.
2. Stay with the person; alert emergency contacts.
3. Watch closely for changes. If symptoms worsen, give epinephrine.