Severe Signs and Symptoms
Food Allergy eTraining Slide 10

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis and can often lead to constricted airways in the lungs, severe lowering of blood pressure and shock (“anaphylactic shock”), and suffocation by swelling of the throat (“Food allergies: What,” 2010).

This can lead to:

  • Constricted airways in the lungs
  • Severe lowering of blood pressure and shock (“anaphylactic shock”)
  • Suffocation by swelling of the throat

An epi-pen is used to treat someone with a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Epi-pens should be stored at room temperature until the marked expiration date.  Do not refrigerate or expose to extreme heat or sunlight.

Keep in mind, even mild signs & symptoms of a reaction to a food allergy can lead to a severe allergic reaction. Those with known severe allergic reactions to food allergies should have prescribed medication on-hand ready to be used at any time he or she suspects the onset of an allergic reaction. That medication is usually referred to as an epi-pen.

arrow_100.jpg

 

Next slide