Jim:
I also wanted to send you a comment about the Epi pen. The injection of epinephrine (“Epi”) is in large part an informed decision that with a little experience or training is an easy call to make. Epinephrine or adrenaline is only to be used when there is a directly life threatening emergency so most of the concern with cardiac stress is overruled by the overriding need to have a open airway. Children can survive amazing amounts of epi without stressing their hearts so in a life or death airway case give the pen. Benadryl is also on the top of meds to have in your bag, chewed or crushed it absorbs almost as quickly as injected does and is indicated after the epi starts to work (your patient will need water as the epi will stop all saliva flow.)
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride) has almost no bad side effects and (after consulting your doctor) is very safe even for toddlers.
Benadryl is also good for sleep aid and motion sickness.
As always my comments assume that the reader has either years of advanced medical training and field experience or a qualified instructor at hand to consult. – David in Israel
Jim,
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So is a lot, in the wrong hands, but you’re still likely to be better off with it than without it:
emedicinehealth.com
BTW, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) does not “treat the cause” of anaphylaxis. It reduces the effects of histamine release, which is triggered by an immune response. It is a useful adjunct to epinephrine. It will not prevent airway compromise or vascular collapse! In no way is Benadryl alone an adequate treatment for anaphylaxis, nor will it reliably prevent a life-threatening recurrence after initial treatment with epinephrine. (This latter seems to have found its way into the folklore of “bee sting allergies.”)
OBTW, if you get an EpiPen, get a “2-Pak.” (They’re now being packaged that way.) Although epinephrine can be life-saving, more than one dose may be necessary. (Discuss this with your physician.) One pen is not sufficient.
Persons with a history of anaphylaxis should see their doctor and inquire about desensitization treatment. The best way to treat anaphylaxis is to prevent it.
I cannot overemphasize the necessity of obtaining competent medical advice before using epinephrine and the need to obtain competent medical care after using it. Failing to administer epinephrine in a timely manner can be lethal, but using it incorrectly will make you just as dead. Regards, – Moriarty