Anaphylaxis Awareness and Training

Anaphylaxis Awareness Week took place between the 1st and 7th October. Over this time, I supported this via my social media; posting information on what is anaphylaxis, signs and symptoms, and what to do in an emergency. If you missed it, catch up below.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe and life threatening allergic reaction that develops rapidly throughout the body. Anaphylaxis is a severe over reaction, or hypersensitive reaction, by the body’s immune system to an allergen.

What are Allergens?

Allergens cause the body to have the allergic reaction. Common can allergens include; peanuts, shellfish, some fruits, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk, latex, and medications.

What is happening in the body during an Anaphylactic reaction?

Chemicals, such as histamine, are rapidly released into the body’s circulation system. This causes muscles with our breathing system to become tighter, and to spams, making breathing more rapid. The heart also pumps faster, and fluid moves out of the vessels - causing a drop in blood pressure

What are the signs and symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

Signs (something you can see) and symptoms (something you can feel or the person tells you) - relate to airway, breathing and circulation.

Airway - persistent coughing, changes in the voice, the tongue swelling, difficulty in swallowing, a sense that the throat is tightening

Breathing - rapid breathing, noisy breathing such as wheezing and a sense of difficulty in breathing

Circulation - clammy skin, confusion, feeling dizzy or lightheaded

What should I do in an Emergency?

Call 999 and state anaphylaxis

If the person has their own adrenaline auto injector - find it, so they can administer it. If they can’t administer it - administer it for them, following the instructions on the side of the device. Whilst waiting for the ambulance, lie the person down with their legs raised - unless this makes their breathing worse

If the person does not improve they may require their second auto injector to be given.

Do you provide Training in Anaphylaxis?

Yes! I run sessions in Bury St. Edmunds or at your location. Courses include Anaphylaxis Awareness Level 2 and Anaphylaxis Awareness for Healthcare Professionals. Anaphylaxis training can also be included as part of CPR / Basic Life Support & AED Mandatory or update skill sessions.