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The Simmons Voice

The Student News Site of Simmons University

The Simmons Voice

The Student News Site of Simmons University

The Simmons Voice

Allergic reactions: what to do when your life is on the line

By Ellen Garnett
Staff Writer

My throat starts to feel funny. Then it starts to close. My lips are itchy and they begin to swell. I know this feeling too well. These are some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

If your family has a history of allergies, as with any health complications, you should get tested to see what you are allergic to in a controlled environment.

This would mean going to an allergist and having numerous samples of common allergens placed on your skin to observe their effects.

If you are aware that you have allergies, you should get a medical ID bracelet or necklace listing all of your allergies and conditions.

Bracelets can range in price, but they usually start around $40. Medical ID bracelets can sometimes save someone’s life if they cannot verbally communicate their conditions to EMTs or doctors.

Plus, there are now various websites where you can design your own bracelet, so it is not only practical but also fashionable.

If you find yourself in the very unfortunate situation of having a severe allergic reaction, just as I found myself several weeks ago, here is what you should do, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health:

Try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid further contact with it.

1.    If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers; squeezing the stinger will release more venom.

2.    If the person develops an itchy rash, apply cool compresses and an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.

3.    Watch the person for signs of increasing distress.

4.    Get medical help. For a mild reaction, a health care provider may recommend over-the-counter medications (such as antihistamines).

For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), check the person’s airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABC’s of Basic Life Support).

A warning sign of dangerous throat swelling is a very hoarse or whispered voice, or coarse sounds when the person is breathing in air. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.

1.    Call 911. (Then call Public Safety.)

2.    Calm and reassure the person.

3.    If the person has emergency allergy medication on hand, help the person take or inject the medication. (This would include Benadryl and an Epipen. However, oral medication might need to be avoided if the person is having a hard time breathing.)

4.     Take steps to prevent shock. Have the person lie flat, raise the person’s feet about 12 inches, and cover him or her with a coat or blanket. Do NOT place the person in this position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it causes discomfort.

Be smart and take the necessary precautionary and post-allergic reaction steps to take care of yourself. I was lucky enough to have a roommate who is a nursing major, so she knew exactly what to do.

I don’t want other students to go through what I did and be scared because they don’t know how to handle the situation.

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