Adrenaline anaphylaxis how does adrenaline work
Adrenaline auto-injectors are prescribed to those who are believed to have anaphylaxis. These injections come pre-filled with a solution that automatically injects when pushed firmly against skin. An EpiPen or AnaPen auto-injector should be injected into the outer-mid thigh and should NOT be injected into veins, fingers, toes, hands or feet.
You should inject someone as soon as you detect the first signs of a serious allergic reaction. If you have anaphylaxis you should follow the advice of your doctor when using an auto-injector and carefully read the instructions that come with it.
Always have your auto-injector with you so that you can inject adrenaline quickly if you experience an allergic reaction. For a diagram and step by step instructions on how to use and auto-injector please see the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Action Plan for Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline. How does adrenaline work with anaphylaxis? Related posts. If anaphylaxis is suspected, give the adrenaline injector as not giving adrenaline can be more harmful than giving it, even when it may not have been necessary.
If in doubt, give the adrenaline injector. Common side effects of adrenaline include increased heart rate, trembling and paleness. Therefore, someone may look unwell even after the adrenaline injector has been given. Whilst needles may sometimes hurt, you have to remember why you are using it and that adrenaline can be life-saving. Adrenaline is absorbed most rapidly when injected into the outer mid-thigh muscle.
Injecting into the outer mid-thigh also makes it extremely unlikely that damage to any nerves or tendons will occur, or that it will be inadvertently injected into an artery or vein. It is also the least painful part of the body to give an injection. It is important to lay the person flat — do not allow them to stand or walk. If breathing is difficult allow them to sit. If unconscious, place them in the recovery position on their side.
They must not walk to or from the ambulance even if they appear to have improved or recovered. Each adrenaline injector contains a single fixed dose of adrenaline.
It is designed to be used as a first aid device by people without any medical or nursing training. If you or your child has been prescribed an adrenaline injector, it is important that you learn and practise how to use it, using a trainer device, that does not contain adrenaline.
It is recommended that you practise using the trainer device at least every three to four months. Adrenaline injectors should be stored in a cool dark place at room temperature, but NOT refrigerated as this can damage the injector mechanism. Whilst they should be kept out of the reach of small children, adrenaline injectors must be readily available when needed and not in a locked cupboard.
The shelf life of adrenaline is normally one or two years from the date of supply. You need to regularly check the expiry date on the adrenaline injector. Patient information and support is available from the following national patient support groups for Australia and New Zealand:. ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice.
To donate to allergy research go to www. Page last reviewed: 29 November Next review due: 29 November Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
What to do If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis , you should: use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one — but make sure you know how to use it correctly first call for an ambulance immediately even if they start to feel better — mention that you think the person has anaphylaxis remove any trigger if possible — for example, carefully remove any stinger stuck in the skin lie the person down flat — unless they're unconscious, pregnant or having breathing difficulties give another injection after minutes if the symptoms do not improve and a second auto-injector is available If you're having an anaphylactic reaction, you can follow these steps yourself if you feel able to.
Adrenaline auto-injectors People with potentially serious allergies are often prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors to carry at all times. There are 3 main types of adrenaline auto-injector, which are used in slightly different ways. These are: EpiPen — find out how to use an EpiPen Jext — find out how to use Jext Emerade — find out how to use Emerade Instructions are also included on the side of each injector if you forget how to use it or someone else needs to give you the injection.
Positioning and resuscitation Someone experiencing anaphylaxis should be placed in a comfortable position. In hospital You will need to go to hospital for observation — usually for hours — as the symptoms can occasionally return during this period.