Allergy attacks can be sudden and frightening, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Whether it’s a reaction to food, an insect sting, medication, or environmental factors, first aid can help manage the symptoms and prevent them from worsening. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps for providing first aid during an allergy attack.
What is an Allergy Attack?
An allergy attack occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance (allergen) that is typically harmless to most people. This reaction can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.
An allergy attack is the body’s immune response to an allergen. Triggers vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:
- Food: Nuts, shellfish, dairy, and certain fruits.
- Insects: Bee stings, wasp stings, and other insect bites.
- Medications: Penicillin, aspirin, and other common drugs.
- Environmental Factors: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould.
Recognising the Symptoms of an Allergy Attack
Recognising the symptoms early can help in providing prompt and effective first aid.
Mild Symptoms
- Itching or tingling in the mouth
- Hives or itchy red spots on the skin
- Mild swelling of the lips, face, and eyes
- Stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhoea
Severe Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the throat and tongue
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening reaction)
First Aid Basics for Allergy Attacks
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first step is to stay calm. Panicking can make the situation worse for both the victim and those around them. Assess the severity of the symptoms to determine the appropriate response.
Remove the Allergen
If possible, remove the source of the allergen. This could mean moving away from a pollen-rich area, avoiding further consumption of the allergenic food, or carefully removing an insect stinger.
Administering Antihistamines
Antihistamines can be effective for treating mild allergy symptoms.
Common over-the-counter antihistamines include:
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Loratadine (Claritin)
Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Typically, antihistamines are taken orally and can begin to work within 30 minutes to an hour.
Using an EpiPen
For severe allergic reactions, an EpiPen can be life-saving.
An EpiPen is an auto-injector device that administers epinephrine, a medication that can quickly reduce severe allergic reactions.
How to Use an EpiPen
- Remove the Safety Cap: Pull off the blue safety cap to activate the EpiPen.
- Place the Orange Tip Against the Thigh: The orange tip should be pressed firmly against the outer thigh, even through clothing.
- Inject the Epinephrine: Press down until you hear a click and hold for 3 seconds to ensure the medication is delivered.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Call 999 or go to the nearest A&E department, as further medical treatment may be necessary.
When to Call Emergency Services
If the person is experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or loss of consciousness, call emergency services immediately.
Monitor the person’s breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness while waiting for medical help.
When emergency services arrive, provide them with as much information as possible, including the person’s known allergies, the time the reaction started, and any medications administered.
Being prepared and knowing how to respond to an allergy attack can save lives. From administering antihistamines to using an EpiPen and calling emergency services, each step is crucial. However, first aid should be administered by trained individuals. Our comprehensive first aid courses will provide you with the skills and confidence to act in a range of emergency situations, including allergy attacks. To learn more, please get in touch.
