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# Allergy: Mild or Severe (Anaphylaxis) |
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Mild allergies are caused by dust, pollen, insect bites, or certain |
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foods, chemicals or medicines. These are usually treatable with |
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antihistamines. |
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antihistamines |
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## Signs of a mild allergy |
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A person having a mild allergic reaction. |
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Several swollen bites on a person's leg. |
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* Itching, swollen, red eyes |
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* Rash or redness |
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* Sneezing |
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* If there is an insect bite, it may swell |
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A severe allergic reaction is much more dangerous and can quickly |
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stop someone's breathing. |
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## Signs of a severe allergy (anaphylaxis) |
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* Flushing, itching, or rash |
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* Swollen lips, mouth, or throat, difficulty swallowing |
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* Difficulty breathing |
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* Swollen hands or feet |
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* Nausea or stomachache |
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The most common signs are rash and breathing problems. |
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If the person cannot swallow, or is having trouble breathing, give |
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epinephrine right away. You can give another dose in 5 to 15 minutes |
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if necessary. |
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epinephrine |
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Epinephrine comes in different strengths and different amounts may be |
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needed to give the same dose. Figure out the correct amount and have |
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it ready in a medicine kit before emergencies happen. Or stock a |
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pre-loaded injection, called an EpiPen or known by other brand names. |
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Inject epinephrine in the thigh muscle, here: |
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An arrow points to the outer thigh of a woman whose feet are propped on several… |
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Elevate the feet above the heart |
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For breathing problems you can also give salbutamol. It is also a |
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good idea to give an antihistamine. |
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antihistamine |
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In most cases, if you ever have an allergic reaction to a medicine, |
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food, bee sting, or something else, you should avoid it forever |
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after. The second time you are exposed you can expect an even worse |
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reaction. |
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> from NEW WHERE THERE IS NO DOCTOR © Hesperian Health Guides, |
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> 1919 Addison St Ste 304, Berkeley, CA, 94704, 1.510.845.1447, |
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> [email protected] |
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