How to Treat Reactions

To treat allergic reactions, it is important to note that prevention is the best strategy. If someone has mild symptoms like a small rash and nothing more, over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve itching or hives. However, for severe reactions like stomach pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing or swelling, it is crucial to use an epinephrine auto-injector immediately and seek emergency medical help. Remember, epinephrine will not harm you if it is not needed, so it is way better to be safe then sorry! One really big misconception is that antihistamines like benadryl will help stop the reaction, that is false! The over-the-counter medications only mask the itching, which is why many use them when having seasonal allergies. Epinephrine is the only medication that will actually slow the reaction and help save your life. If experiencing symptoms more than itching, take the epinephrine immediately. It is my opinion that antihistamines should not be used in any anaphylaxis protocol because it does not stop the reaction. 

There are three forms of emergency epinephrine. One is the standard epi-pen, the second is a smaller, credit card sized auvi-q, and the third is neffy, which is a spray for your nose. The introduction of neffy is a huge advance as it eliminates the need to inject a needle to treat a reaction. Additionally, the auvi-q and neffy are easy to carry around, both being small and easy to fit in a purse. 

 

The differences between epi-pen and auvi-q include several key aspects. For starters, EpiPen is a much larger, pen-like device that requires manual operation while Auvi-Q is a more compact, credit card-sized device that features a voice instruction system to guide users through the injection process. Additionally, EpiPen users need to remember the steps to use it correctly under pressure while Auvi-Q provides verbal instructions, making it easier for users, especially in stressful situations. Because of this, in my opinion, Auvi-Qs are easier and safer to use as it helps people of all ages use it correctly under pressure, and is smaller and easier to carry around.

 

The inhalable epinephrine (neffy) is needle free and much smaller than the other forms, but is not approved for those who are four years and older and weigh at least 15kg or more.