“If someone is experiencing anaphylaxis, they should use epinephrine right away and call emergency services. This is especially critical for individuals at higher risk, such as those with asthma, heart conditions, or who require a second dose of epinephrine,” says Dr. Ganju.
Epinephrine is most commonly given by injection to the thigh with easy-to-use autoinjectors like EpiPen, EpiPen Jr, and Auvi-Q. These self-administered medications are usually prescribed by an allergist in advance and carried by people with anaphylaxis for emergency use.
On rare occasions, some people with anaphylaxis experience a second reaction up to 12 hours after their first symptoms appear (known as a biphasic reaction). You may need another dose of epinephrine at this point, so it’s possible you’ll be kept in the hospital until the risk of this type of reaction has passed. There, you may receive one or more of these medications or interventions:
- Epinephrine Continued doses of epinephrine may be needed to help stabilize your vital signs. These will most likely be given by injection.
- Antihistamines These drugs work by blocking certain chemicals that your immune system produces in an anaphylactic reaction. They are given orally or by IV.
- Corticosteroids These medications, such as cortisone, are also given by IV and reduce airway inflammation to make breathing easier.
- Beta-Agonists Beta-agonist drugs like ventolin (Albuterol) can also help relax your airways.
- Glucagon Glucagon may be used for cases of anaphylaxis that don’t respond to epinephrine.
- Oxygen You may need supplemental oxygen to help you breathe.
In the long term, it may help to see an allergist or immunologist to receive immunotherapy, a series of allergy shots, for specific allergens like insect stings. Immunotherapy may help decrease your body’s allergic response and prevent severe reactions in the future.
Anaphylaxis Action Plan and Identification
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