What to do in a food allergy emergency

Knowing how to recognize and react to a food allergy emergency is an essential skill set to have. Here are the signs to look for.

If you or someone you know has a food allergy, stay familiar with the symptoms of an attack, as the consequences can be serious.

Allergic reactions to food can lead to cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis, which causes swelling, difficulty breathing, and a rapid drop in blood pressure that can lead to death.

Unfortunately, someone experiencing an allergic reaction isn't always able to express themselves due to severe symptoms. If you observe any of the following signs, you should administer aid immediately:

• Trouble breathing, face turning blue and wheezing
• Swelling of lips or tongue
• Pale, sweaty appearance
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Hives spreading across body
• Vomiting and severe diarrhea

• If you see any of the above symptoms, you should immediately inject an epinephrine shot, which is the standard emergency treatment for an allergy reaction.
• This shot will usually be injected into the mid-thigh region, and held there for 10 seconds.
• Epinephrine allows airways to open up and improves blood circulation, helping to reverse the impact of anaphylaxis.
• From there, call 911 as quickly as possible, explaining that someone is experiencing anaphylaxis and that additional epinephrine might be needed.
• Lay the person on their back unless they are vomiting, in which case you can lay them on their side.
• You can also administer an inhaler to improve breathing or antihistamines to control the allergic reaction.
• If symptoms aren't improving, you can administer an extra injection of epinephrine. Even if symptoms are improving, you should get to the ER as quickly as possible for further treatment.

It's important to have a plan in place before a food allergy emergency takes place.

• Have a number of epinephrine shots available in different locations.
• If you're responsible for a young child, it's important to inform the school nurse and teachers about your child's allergies in case an emergency happens out of your sight.

Ultimately, a food allergy emergency requires proper preparation, a certain amount of calm under pressure and awareness about the warning signs.

Speak to your doctor about what to expect, and next time a food allergy emergency strikes, you will be prepared to handle it properly.