Early warning signs of breathing trouble, itching, and puffiness can advance rapidly and turn life-threatening. Administering a child an epinephrine injection could decelerate or hold back an allergic reaction. That is why it's crucial to have an allergy kit with an epinephrine syringe with you at all times and to understand the proper way to utilize it. It may save a youngster's life someday.
What to do Before Giving the Shot
There are a few significant things to think about prior to giving the injection:
- The injection doesn't substitute the need to be examined by a physician.
- After administering the injection, look for emergency medical aid. Signs and symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may come back or relapse following an epinephrine shot.
- The shot should can only be given into the side of the thigh. Don't administer the shot into a buttock or a venous blood vessel (vein).
- Get acquainted with the signs and symptoms of a serious allergy. If a child experiences or you notice the symptoms approaching, act rapidly. The earlier the injection is administered, the greater the chances of a safe outcome.
- If a child is incapable of being still, look for person to hold the child while you administer the shot. If you're alone, position the child on his or her back and place your upper body across the child's body (gently and lightly).
- Use one arm to hold the child's upper leg as you give the shot using the other arm.
More about Shots and Allergies in Children
Try to keep an allergic reaction kit close to your son or daughter at all times. Put one in your house and another at school or daycare.
Furthemore:
- An older child could carry a fanny pack with the kit inside it. Put two epinephrine syringes inside each kit just in case a second shot is required. Try to have your child wear a medical bracelet to allow others to know about the allergies.
- Make certain your child's school directors, instructors, babysitters, and acquaintances know how to give a child the injection and to call emergency medical services after administering the shot. At school, emphasize the need for a kit to be with your son or daughter, not locked up where it could not be accessed quickly.
Attempt to explain to your son or daughter why the injection is essential, how it helps, and what you'll do whenever the injection is necessitated. It may help to demonstrate to your child what will occur during an attack.
Trainer kits can be purchased at local pharmacies that carry them. As soon as the child is mature enough, it is imperative that you teach him to give himself a shot and ask for assistance.
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References:
Scott H. Sicherer, Hugh A. Sampson, Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, (2008). "Use of multiple doses of epinephrine in food-induced anaphylaxis in children." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Imunology. (122); 1, 133-138
"Severe allergic reaction may need more epinephrine." (2008). Reuter’s Health. Original Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. July 9.
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