What to Know About Epinephrine & Anaphylactic ShockEpinephrine (adrenaline) is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. Epinephrine is released into your body once it receives a threat from the brain. It helps prepare your body for the allergic reaction by increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and the ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently. Anaphylactic shock is your body’s severe and potentially life-threatening reaction when it comes into contact with something you’re highly allergic to. It causes the immune system to overreact within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Symptoms include swelling, hives and itching, airway constriction with a swollen tongue or throat which causes trouble breathing, a weak and rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, dizziness or fainting.
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What to do for Anaphylactic Shock |
Act fast if someone is experiencing anaphylactic shock. If available, use an epinephrine autoinjector pressed into the thigh. Don't use any more or any less of the drug than what was prescribed by a doctor. When epinephrine is not used properly it can be harmful. Remember the epinephrine autoinjector or EpiPen doesn't take the place of medical treatment. Emergency medical help is necessary immediately after injecting epinephrine.
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Development of Allergic Reactions |
The allergic reaction you experience in response to an allergen develops after two or more incidents where you aren't protected from the allergen. Common allergens that can trigger anaphylaxis include: medications, especially penicillin, foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, fish, shellfish, milk and eggs and insect stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets and fire ants.
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