Anaphylaxis - using an Anapen – St John NSW

Allergic Reactions & Asthma

Anaphylaxis – using an Anapen

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A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. It is potentially life-threatening.

People diagnosed with severe allergies should have an anaphylaxis action plan and an adrenaline auto-injector. They can also wear a medical alert device.
Use any available adrenaline auto-injector in an emergency.
ALWAYS GIVE ADRENALINE AUTOINJECTOR FIRST, and then asthma reliever puffer if someone with known asthma and allergy to food, insects or medication has SUDDEN BREATHING DIFFICULTY (including wheeze, persistent cough or hoarse voice) even if there are no skin symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

The following signs and symptoms of a mild to moderate allergic reaction can precede anaphylaxis:

swelling of lips, face, eyes
hives, welts or body redness
tingling mouth.
Abdominal pain, vomiting, are signs of anaplyaxis for insect allergy.

The main symptoms of a severe allergic reaction are rapidly developing breathing and circulation problems.

Other signs and symptoms can include:

difficult or noisy breathing
swelling of tongue
Swelling or tightness in throat
wheeze or persistent cough
difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
dizziness or collapse
pallor and floppiness (in young children)

What to do

Follow DRSABCD.
Do not allow the patient to stand or walk. Help the patient to lie down flat, or if breathing is difficult, allow the patient to sit. Hold young children flat, not upright.
Ask the patient if they need help with their action plan if they have one. Only help the patient if they request it. If the patient is unable to give verbal consent, administer an adrenaline auto-injector immediately.

How to give an Anapen^®

Pull off black needle shield.
Pull off grey safety cap from red button.
Place needle end firmly against outer mid-thigh at 90° angle (with or without clothing).
Press red button so it clicks and hold for 3 seconds. Remove Anapen®.
Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
Monitor the patient. If there is no improvement after 5 minutes, use another adrenaline auto-injector, if available.
If breathing stops, follow DRSABCD.

Action plans at ASCIA — www.allergy.org.au/hp/ anaphylaxis/ascia-action-plan-for-anaphylaxis