Ask Aunt Lori - allergic reaction first aid
Dear Aunt Lori,
My friend has a severe peanut allergy. I'm scared that she'll have an allergic reaction around me and I don't know what to do!
Concerned Friend
Dear Concerned Friend,
Allergic reactions are scary! I definitely understand your concern; the way I look at this is "prepare for the worst but hope for the best."
Remember that I'm not a doctor or healthcare provider, so I can't speak for everyone or any particular person. This is all for educational purposes and the general advice given to people with allergies. If their healthcare providers have said something different, that advice should be taken over mine. This article may provide helpful advice on what to ask your providers, but is not a substitute for that.
Your friend has probably dealt with this a long time and probably has a plan for this, so ask her what it is and what you could do to help her. It would also be helpful to know the severity of her allergy; some allergens are better than others at becoming airborne, and some people may have allergies that may add an extra layer of caution (such as milk in a candy with milk and peanuts).
If you hang out with her a lot, you should have a discussion with her about her allergy before going anywhere that peanuts might be present. The conversation should be private and assure her that it is to learn how to help her in the event of an allergic reaction and that if she doesn't feel comfortable discussing it, that is okay as well!
Some questions that could be helpful:
Do you carry an Epipen? If so, where is it?
If you are unfamiliar with how to use it, I recommend that everyone learn. A "practice" Epipen is often included that doesn't have a needle or medicine in it that you can use to learn how to use one. If they don't have an Epipen or it can't be found - CALLING FOR AN AMBULANCE IS THE VERY FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO
How sensitive is your allergy?
Some people aren't able to have any contact - touch, inhalation, anything!
What do you need me to do if you have an allergic reaction?
Having a plan in place for emergencies is crucial! Many people are able to self-inject an Epipen, unless the allergic reaction has progressed enough to make it difficult or impossible. Often, the friends will just need to call for an ambulance, stay with the person, and call their emergency contacts.
Beyond that, I recommend that everyone learn about the symptoms of an allergic reaction and the top 9 food allergies. Check out my article on anaphylaxis if you're not familiar with it or just want to learn more!
For a refresher, the top 9 food allergies are:
Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, coconut, etc)
Soy
Wheat
Peanuts (the most lethal of the 9)
Milk
Sesame
Shellfish
Crustaceans
Fish
My allergic reaction plan
For an example of what an allergic reaction plan looks like, I'm sharing my own personal allergic reaction plan. Everyone's plans may vary, but hopefully this will give you an idea of what to have in the event of a reaction.
Retrieve Epipen from the front pocket of my purse
Self inject on the outer right mid-thigh
The Epipen will go through pants, including denim
Hold the Epipen in my thigh for 10 seconds before removing
Lightly rub the injection site
Set Epipen aside to take to hospital
Get the second Epipen out and place near me
While injecting - have someone call for an ambulance
Get inhaler and take 2 puffs of it
If possible, lie down with legs elevated above my heart
Emergency services takes over
Friend calls my emergency contact(s)
Ambulance transports me to hospital, friend may ride with me
I hope this is helpful - and that you won't have to test it!
Stay safe! The time around Halloween is always a more difficult time when you have a food allergy!
Aunt Lori
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