Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylactic Shock) (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Severe Allergic Reaction Overview
- Severe Allergic Reaction Causes
- Severe Allergic Reaction Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Severe Allergic Reaction Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Anaphylaxis - Describe Your Experience
Next Steps
Follow-up
You will usually be observed for at least six hours after the beginning of the reaction. Occasionally, a reaction will seem to get better and then recur, and even worsen, in a few hours. Sometimes the severity of the reaction will require admission to the hospital.
Upon leaving the hospital emergency department, you should immediately obtain the medication prescribed for you. You should carry these at all times to prevent another reaction or lessen its severity.
- The epinephrine kit (known as EpiPen or Ana-Kit) should be kept with you at all times in case you are exposed to the antigen that caused the first reaction.
- The kit contains a premeasured dose of epinephrine in an easy-to-use syringe. As soon as an exposure occurs, you immediately inject the epinephrine into your thigh muscle. This is extremely effective and fast-acting.
- Anyone who has experienced an anaphylactic reaction should carry one of these kits after consulting with your physician.
- Medical attention is always required right away, even if you have treated yourself with epinephrine.
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The immune system is an integral part of human protection against disease, but the normally protective immune mechanisms can sometimes cause detrimental reactions in the host.
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