An allergic reaction is your body's response to some type of foreign substance. They can be caused from things such as medications, foods, bites or stings, or topical substances such as lotions, soaps or powders. Foods and penicillin are the two most common causes of allergic reactions in the US causing approximately 600 deaths annually. In all reality, virtually anything that can be eaten, ingested, inhaled or touched has the possibility of causing an aller.izic reaction.

The symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from a mild case with localized swelling, redness and itching, to an extreme systemic anaphylactic reaction where your patient will have hives, generalized swelling and respiratory distress. Mild allergic reactions are quite common and often require little or no treatment. Some people can however, have an extreme reaction. Serious allergic reactions can be life-threatening.

Patients with known allergies may carry a pre-filled syringe of epinephrine, also known as an "EpiPen" with them at all times. Epinephrine is a naturally occurring hormone which is produced by your body in the form of adrenaline. By acting as a vasoconstrictor, epinephrine closes down the blood vessels carrying the toxin. This in turn, reduces the insult to the body and helps reverse the allergic reaction. First aid training does not permit you to administer this drug. You can however, assist your patient while they take it. The faster the onset of the signs and symptoms of the reaction, the more serious the problem is. The key here is don't delay calling 911 !