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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Severe Allergic Reaction Treatment

Call 911

For a minor allergic reaction, see Allergic Reaction Treatment.

1. Seek emergency care

Get immediate help if the person has these symptoms or a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) even if there are no symptoms: 

  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Tightness in the throat or a feeling that the airways are closing
  • Hoarseness or trouble speaking
  • Nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
  • Fast heartbeat or pulse
  • Skin that itches, tingles, swells, or turns red 
  • Anxiety or dizziness
  • Loss of consciousness

2. Inject Epinephrine Immediately

If the person has an anaphylaxis action plan from a doctor for injecting epinephrine and other emergency measures, follow it.

Otherwise, if the person carries an epinephrine shot or one is available:

  • Inject epinephrine if the person is unable to.
  • If the person has a history of anaphylaxis, don't wait for signs of a severe reaction to inject epinephrine.
  • Read and follow patient instructions carefully.
  • Inject epinephrine into outer muscle of the thigh. Avoid injecting into a vein or buttock muscles.
  • Do not inject medicine into hands or feet, which can cause tissue damage. If this happens, notify the emergency room staff.
  • The person may need more than one injection if there’s no improvement after the first. For an adult, inject again after 10 to 20 minutes. For a child, inject again after 5 to 30 minutes.

     

3. Do CPR if the Person Stops Breathing

 

4. Follow Up

  • Make sure that someone stays with the person for 24 hours after anaphylaxis in case of another attack. 
  • Report the reaction to the person's doctor.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on September 27, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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