Since anaphylactic reactions can be severe, quick medical attention is very important. Here are some of the things doctors and nurses might do when you arrive at the hospital.
Assessment: The first thing that they’re going to need to do is understand what’s happening. There might be many questions about if you’ve eaten anything, or touched anything that you know you react to, or if it’s something new. Witnesses like friends or family who also saw might get asked questions if the person can’t answer for themselves. History is the most important factor in determining allergic reactions (DynaMed Plus, 2018)!
Questions might include:
Many factors can affect an anaphylactic reaction and it’s important to have as much information as possible.
They will also be looking for any rashes, hives, swelling, or dark circles around eyes. They will be watching for changes in consciousness, diminished hearing, or rubbing or itching of face and throat.
Assessment: The first thing that they’re going to need to do is understand what’s happening. There might be many questions about if you’ve eaten anything, or touched anything that you know you react to, or if it’s something new. Witnesses like friends or family who also saw might get asked questions if the person can’t answer for themselves. History is the most important factor in determining allergic reactions (DynaMed Plus, 2018)!
Questions might include:
- Has this happened before? Do you have any known allergies? Have you been exposed to any of those things that you know of?
- Are you having difficulty breathing? When did this start? How does it feel when you try to breathe?
- Are you feeling tired or sore?
- Do you have any itching or stinging of your eyes? Nose? Ears? Throat? Tongue? Skin?
- Have you had any illnesses or infections recently?
- Have you travelled out of the country within the last 30 days?
- Do you have any health conditions in the past, including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and many others?
- Do you take any medications? Have you taken any today?
- Where are you in your menstrual cycle?
Many factors can affect an anaphylactic reaction and it’s important to have as much information as possible.
They will also be looking for any rashes, hives, swelling, or dark circles around eyes. They will be watching for changes in consciousness, diminished hearing, or rubbing or itching of face and throat.
Figure 4. Visible signs of swelling and redness related to anaphylactic reactions
Retrieved from http://www.healthandlifestyle.com.ph/focus-on-anaphylaxis/ June 3, 2019
Retrieved from http://www.healthandlifestyle.com.ph/focus-on-anaphylaxis/ June 3, 2019
They will also take their temperature blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and oxygen saturation, known as vital signs. Monitoring these for changes helps them know if what they’re doing is helping, or if the reaction is becoming more serious (DynaMed Plus, 2018).
Assessment is always an essential part of treatment. But considering that anaphylactic reactions can be life-threatening, treatment such as epinephrine might be started before doctors and nurses know exactly what you’re reacting to. Allergy tests can be helpful to know how to prevent future reactions, and more information can be found here. (DynaMed Plus 2018).
See the treatment tab for more information about how you might be treated once an allergic reaction is determined!
References
DynaMed Plus. (2018, Nov 30). Anaphylaxis. Ipswich, MA: EBSCO Information Services. Retrieved May 4, 2019, from http://www.dynamed.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=DynaMed&id=113862
DynaMed Plus. (2018, Nov 30). Anaphylaxis. Ipswich, MA: EBSCO Information Services. Retrieved May 4, 2019, from http://www.dynamed.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=DynaMed&id=113862