How Does EpiPen Help with an Allergic Reaction?

Using Epinephrine Shots for Allergies

Sep 5, 2009 Jennifer Marsh

When having an allergic reaction, a patient's life can be saved by carrying an EpiPen injector.

An allergic reaction is an immunological side effect from allergens entering the body. For some people, the allergic reaction only brings minor symptoms like sniffles, stuffy nose, wheezing and a cough. For some patients, an allergic reaction incites anaphylactic shock, which is a serious condition in which the immune system creates inflammation and constriction of the airways that block breathing. Anaphylactic shock is a serious condition that can lead to death if not treated quickly. The EpiPen is an emergency injection that helps alleviate the severe symptoms that cause anaphylactic shock.

How the EpiPen Helps with an Allergic Reaction

The EpiPen device is filled with a natural occurring neurotransmitter in the body called epinephrine. Epinephrine is more commonly called adrenaline. It’s a part of the body’s “fight or flight” mechanism when the patient is scared or frightened. A part of the “fight or flight” mechanism is increasing body functions that coincide with the need to run or fight. Part of this mechanism includes an increase of air and oxygen to the tissue including dilation of lung passages. Epinephrine is also responsible for constricting blood vessels, increasing blood pressure and bringing more oxygen to tissue like muscles. Because it is a fast-acting neurotransmitter, a shot of epinephrine from an EpiPen greatly reduces the effects of an allergic reaction.

Causes for an Allergic Reaction

When a patient has a severe allergic reaction, the problem lies in the immune system’s hypersensitivity to the allergen. People who exhibit hypersensitivity have symptoms that are exaggerated. Some common allergens that cause an allergic reaction are mold, dust, pollen and food. The EpiPen does not stop the allergic reaction, but it does mediate the symptoms of anaphylactic shock to stop the severity and actually save the patient’s life.

Many patients have pets and are unaware of the allergy symptoms caused by pets. There are ways to avoid an allergic reaction with pets. For patients who are susceptible to a sudden allergic reaction, it’s best to keep some kind of epinephrine injection method like an EpiPen. These types of reactions are usually caused by food especially peanuts. The EpiPen is injected as soon as symptoms occur after the patient unknowingly ingests the allergens. Some patients have severe allergic reactions from insect bites like bees and wasps. The allergic reaction from these allergens has been a part of the news recently.

The use of the EpiPen can save a life for someone prone to an allergic reaction. The EpiPen is only a temporary solution, so patients need to consult a physician after an allergic reaction. Consult a doctor before injection epinephrine shots.

Reference:

University of Michigan

The copyright of the article How Does EpiPen Help with an Allergic Reaction? in Allergies is owned by Jennifer Marsh. Permission to republish How Does EpiPen Help with an Allergic Reaction? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Allergic Reaction

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