What's Wrong with Me?

In older posts I've told you how to use epinephrine injectors, but how do you know when a minor rash becomes a threat? How do you know when to dust off your Epi-pen? The question, what symptoms mean an anaphylactic allergic reaction, is often overlooked. It's important to know how to use your Epi-pen, but also when to use your Epi-pen. Sometimes, a simple case of eczema can be treated with an ointment or pill that doesn't result in a trip to the emergency room. And a sore throat could be a sign of strep throat or the common cold instead of an allergic reaction. This post will teach you what symptoms mean GET YOUR EPI-PEN AND PHONE NOW and what symptoms mean DON'T FREAK OUT BECAUSE YOU'RE OKAY!! Alright, let's get going!

When dealing with anaphylaxis, it's important to be alert at what symptoms you're getting. If someone is having an anaphylactic allergic reaction, every second is crucial. Everyday Health says that these symptoms mean anaphylactic allergic reactions:

• Cough, difficulty or irregular breathing, wheezing, itchy throat or mouth, and difficulty swallowing
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
• Itchiness, red bumps on the skin (hives), and skin redness
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, chest discomfort or tightness, mental confusion, weakness, lower blood pressure, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness, and fainting.

Wow, that seems like a lot of symptoms! Let me break this down for you; any serious, uncontrollable breathing problems, stomach problems (like vomiting and diarrhea), serious, large, or worsening rashes, irregular pulse, and any sort of not being conscious is a problem. If you have one, multiple of the same type (like coughing and difficulty swallowing or skin redness and itchiness), or a mix of these symptoms, it's time to follow your emergency plan, which would mean call 911, administrate epinephrine, take any other medications that you have been prescribed to take, and attempt to stay calm. Staying calm can actually keep your symptoms from getting worse. If you start to panic, you have a higher chance of increasing amount/severity of symptoms. If you have symptoms that don't seem to be worsening and the symptoms don't seem too severe (as in you can go about your daily life with these symptoms without much trouble), then you should contact your doctor, physician, and/or allergist and take an over the counter medication such as benadryl or whatever else you are instructed to take.

I hope this information helps you in the future. Talk to you in my next post!