12/04/2024
Such great reminders about anaphylaxis and debunking common myths. 💉
We all know how dangerous anaphylaxis can be. But unfortunately, there is also a lot of misinformation surrounding it.
Misunderstanding these crucial facts could waste precious time, increase risk, and even lead to fatal outcomes. To help you and your children stay safe and prepared, we've here to debunk 4 myths and clear up a few misconceptions.
❌ MYTH #1: “ANAPHYLAXIS ONLY AFFECTS CHILDREN.”
FACT: An anaphylactic reaction can happen at any age. In fact, with the increase of adult-onset food allergies in recent times, the risk of anaphylactic reactions too has been on the rise and isn’t limited to kids alone.
❌ MYTH #2: “I CAN USE ANTIHISTAMINES INSTEAD OF EPINEPHRINE.”
FACT: Many people make the mistake of administering antihistamines to relieve anaphylactic symptoms. Antihistamines can take care of mild symptoms, like a few hives or mildly itchy skin, but they won’t stop anaphylaxis. This can cause you lose precious time. Remember, epinephrine is the only first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and should be administered immediately when symptoms appear, without delay.
❌ MYTH #3: “ONE DOSE OF EPINEPHRINE IS ENOUGH.”
FACT: Anaphylaxis can cause a second wave of symptoms (biphasic reaction) hours after you or your child had the initial reaction. At this time, you may need to administer a second dose of epinephrine. This is absolutely essential if symptoms don’t improve within 5–15 minutes. That’s why it’s important to carry more than one epinephrine device at all times.
❌ MYTH #4: “NO NEED TO CALL 911 AFTER USING EPINEPHRINE."
FACT: Many people assume that the emergency is over after administering epinephrine and that they do not need to alert emergency services. While guidance on this topic is being reviewed, at this time, calling 911 is still essential, even when epinephrine seems to have worked. Here are 3 reasons why:
- Epinephrine can wear off
- Medical monitoring is needed in emergency care
- Biphasic reactions can occur
Have you heard any other myths?