1 Introduction
Allergic reactions are more common. Some emergencies may cause allergic reactions in allergic people. Allergic reactions are characterized by swelling (especially on the face), difficulty breathing, shock and even death.
2. Overview of scientific principles
Many people with a history of allergies carry epinephrine auto-injectors. Unfortunately, in many cases, patients and their families do not know how to use autoinjectors. To know when to use an auto-injector, you need to be able to recognize and evaluate allergy symptoms. Seven studies show that this is difficult to do. A study showed that parents of children with multiple signs of allergic reactions can more accurately identify symptoms and signs (leading to the use of autoinjectors), but training and experience are required. In a small retrospective study, a patient study and expert opinion suggested that if the first dose of adrenaline does not relieve symptoms when an allergic reaction occurs, some patients need a second dose. A retrospective study pointed out that 20% of allergic reactions take an average of 10 hours. Four studies have shown that misdiagnosis of allergic reactions, incorrect route of administration or overuse of epinephrine can cause side effects, including accidental death.
3. Guidelines
(1) First aid personnel must be trained or inexperienced to recognize the symptoms or signs of allergic reactions (recommended).
(2) First responders must be trained and have experience in understanding allergy symptoms and signs (recommended).
(3) If an allergic reaction is life-threatening, adrenaline (standard) should be used.
(4) Emergency personnel should be familiar with the use of epinephrine auto-injectors. Patients with allergic reactions can use epinephrine by themselves (recommended).
(5) Adrenaline can only be used when allergic symptoms occur (recommended).
(6) Emergency personnel should allow the use of auto-injectors only when the patient cannot inject themselves. However, only if the regulations of your country/region and your doctor allow the use of such drugs. Patients without a doctor's prescription must receive proper training to use automatic epinephrine injection (see). (7) As a first aid measure, it is not recommended to empirically use a second dose of epinephrine in patients with allergic reactions (see).
(8) Please refer to "Related Information" to treat patients with shortness of breath and shock.
Note: Based on the source and level of scientific evidence, all "guidelines" in this chapter are classified according to three levels of standards, recommendations and references. The meaning is as follows:
-Standard: When there is no clear and compelling method
Can——Recommendation: Please operate with caution, but pay attention to new situations;
-Reference: The things to consider when making decisions are yes, but you should understand the new evidence and weigh the pros and cons.
Fourth, sensitive matters
How to use adrenaline to treat allergic reactions in first aid depends on relevant regulations, first aid training and ability.