First Aid for Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can be mild, but severe allergies that cause anaphylaxis may require first aid.

Causes: A rapid, severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, may occur when a person who is extremely sensitive to a particular substance, such as insect venom, comes in contact with it.

Symptoms: May include swollen lips, tongue, or ears; uneasiness or agitation; red face; hives; prickling and itching in throat and skin; throbbing or ringing in ears; sneezing; coughing; breathing difficulty; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; loss of bowel or bladder control; convulsions; weak, rapid pulse; cold, clammy skin; unrespon­siveness. Without immediate med­ical treatment, victim may die.

Emergency Treatment

  1. Call for EMS at the first sign of allergic reaction.

  2. Monitor ABCs (see ABCs).

  3. Help a responsive victim use their emergency epinephrine kit.

  4. Have victim lie down, and cover them lightly with a blanket. If shortness of breath occurs, have victim sit up.

To learn more about first aid and emergency care, see:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.