Epipen/twinject: Don’t Leave Home Without It!

[ad_1]

It is a sad fact, but most fatal allergic reactions could be prevented by the early recognition of allergic symptoms and the rapid self administration of epinephrine, in the form of an Epipen or Twinject auto-injector. Therefore, the best advice a high risk allergic individual could receive is: Don't leave home without your Epipen or Twinject!

40.9 million Americans suffer from severe allergies that may put them at risk for anaphylaxis—and the numbers are growing. Anaphylaxis occurs at a rate of 21 per 100,000 people and approximately 82,000 episodes of anaphylaxis occur each year in the United States. It is estimated that each year in the U.S. 40 to 400 anaphylactic deaths occur from insect stings and 125 deaths are attributed to food-related anaphylaxis. Most experts suggest that these statistics likely underestimate the true incidence of fatal anaphylaxis. Asthmatics are at particular risk for experiencing anaphylaxis.

Most life threatening reactions are caused by food allergies, medication allergies, and stinging insect allergies. Essentially any food can trigger an allergic reaction, but the most common ones that cause severe anaphylaxis are: peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., walnut, pecan, almonds, cashew, Brazil nut), shellfish, fish, milk, and eggs. The venom of stinging insects such as yellow jackets, honeybees, wasps, hornets are common causes of anaphylaxis, as is the biting fire ant in certain geographical areas of the U.S. Virtually any medication can trigger an allergic reaction. Common categories of drugs that cause anaphylaxis are aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), antibiotics, and anti-seizure medicines.

Upon exposure in the allergic individual, these allergens can initiate a severe, total body allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, whose symptoms may include urticaria (hives), a generalized sensation of warmth, vomiting, abdominal cramping, difficulty breathing, and circulatory collapse resulting in a rapid decrease in blood pressure and shock. The immediate injection of epinephrine (adrenalin) in the form of an Epipen or Twinject can slow down or eliminate the allergic reaction, but it must be injected as quickly as possible. The earlier the injection is given in the course of a reaction, the more likely the epinephrine is to control and stop the serious effects of anaphylaxis. Approximately 20-30% of all reactions require a second or third dose of epinephrine.

For anyone who has experienced a systemic allergic reaction or who is recognized as being at high risk, it is imperative that they or their caregivers have at least two auto-injectors of epinephrine with them at all times. They should be located in the home, workplace, school, daycare, homes of relatives, or any environment where an allergic individual frequents. It is particularly critical that these medications be available in restaurants, or when one is distant from a medical facility, such as when flying on an airplane.

One should avoid exposure of these devices to extremes in temperatures, such as in automobile glove compartments, as they are temperature sensitive and can lose their potency. They also lose their potency with the passage of time and, therefore, should be constantly monitored for expiration dates.

It is imperative that patients or caregivers understand both the indications for and the proper techniques for the administration of an Epipen or Twinject. Demonstration devices are available and health care professional should demonstrate their use when prescribing these auto-injectors. Easy to understand videos demonstrating the proper administration techniques can be accessed below.

Prevention of anaphylaxis is a public health responsibility which is shared by health care providers, patients, and care-givers, especially parents of young children. Education must be made available with regard to avoiding exposure to the allergic agent, recognition of an allergic reaction, and rapid treatment including the immediate administration of the Epipen or Twinject. Don’t leave home without it!

http://allergymedsites.com/article.php?id=59&from=&s_doctor_id=

http://allergymedsites.com/article.php?id=60&from=&s_doctor_id=

Robert M. Cohen, M.D. is a Board Certified allergist practicing in Atlanta, GA. Further information on anaphylaxis, and other topics on allergies and asthma can be found on the website allergymedsites.com.

[ad_2]

Source by Bryan Morris

Tweet