Key Takeaways
One in three Australians suffers from allergies, with rates rising sharply over the past three decades.
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, releasing histamine and causing inflammation.
Common allergens in Australia include nuts, eggs, and dairy, with food allergies typically causing faster, more severe reactions than intolerances.
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can be life-threatening and require immediate emergency action.
Warning signs of anaphylaxis include swelling of the lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness.
Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if available—follow the device’s written instructions carefully.
Administer the auto-injector into the outer thigh, hold for 3 seconds, and call 000 without delay.
A second auto-injector may be required if symptoms don’t improve within 5 minutes.
If symptoms worsen, be prepared to perform CPR until emergency help arrives.
First aid training equips you to respond confidently to allergic reactions—enrol in a CPR First Aid course today.
One in three Australians suffers from allergies—more than almost any other country in the world. Australia has seen an alarming increase in allergy sufferers over the past three decades, although doctors aren’t sure why.
In severe cases, allergic reactions can be fatal, so knowing how to recognise and treat them could save the life of someone you know.
What Causes an Allergic Reaction?
An allergic reaction occurs when a foreign substance enters the body and is misidentified as a threat. The immune system produces antibodies that attack the substance, and the body releases histamine, which causes inflammation in the affected areas.
Food allergies are the most widespread, with nuts, eggs and dairy common allergens. Food allergy symptoms are similar to food intolerance symptoms, but allergic reactions happen faster, are more severe, and require different treatments.
How to Treat an Allergic Reaction?
Treatment for an allergic reaction depends on how severe it is. The most important thing is to stay calm and focus. First, remove any allergens from the skin if they’re present. If the person starts showing any of the following signs or symptoms, seek help immediately:
- Tightness of the throat or feeling that the airways are closing
- Hoarseness or difficulty speaking
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- Nausea, abdominal pain or vomiting
- An elevated heart rate
- Itchy, tingly or swollen skin
- Anxiety, dizziness or loss of consciousness
If the person has had an anaphylaxis episode in the past, you should seek help immediately, even if they aren’t showing symptoms of an allergic reaction. If they have an adrenaline auto-injector with them, you should use it. All adrenaline auto-injectors have instructions written on them, which you should read carefully before using.
Apply the auto-injector into the upper outer thigh muscles, avoiding veins and the buttocks muscles, and hold for 3 seconds. Then call 000. If the person’s symptoms do not improve, they may need more than one shot. If there is no improvement after 5 minutes, use a second device if one is available. If the symptoms are life-threatening, you may need to perform CPR until emergency services arrive.
After anaphylaxis, someone should stay with the person for at least 24 hours if they have another reaction.
If you’re interested in learning how to treat severe allergic reactions and other first aid procedures, why not call us? Take a first aid course today and learn relevant skills in life. CPRFA also offers CPR training, childcare first aid courses, and advance first aid courses just to name a few.