Symptoms of a ‘mild to moderate’ allergic reaction:

• Swelling of lips, face and eyes.
• Rash.
• Mouth tingling and discomfort.
• Abdominal pain and vomiting.

How to aid the patient?

• Staying with the patient and asking for help.
• Making sure that the epinephrine autoinjector is ready for use in case the patient needs it.
• Contacting the patient family.

Severe allergic reaction

Symptoms

• Breathing difficulties.
• Swelling of tongue.
• Swelling and tingling in the larynx.
• Speaking difficulties or voice change.
• Continuous coughing or whistling.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Pallor or drowsiness (in children).

How to aid the patient:

• Adminster the epinephrine autoinjector.
• Call ambulance.
• Contact patient family.

• Remove the safety cap.
• Put the black end of the autoinjector device against the middle of the outer thigh (you can do it over clothes too).
• Push the autoinjector firmly over the thigh until it clicks, and hold the device in place for 10 seconds.
• Remove the autoinjector without touching it, and then massage the area after the injection for 10 seconds.