Save a life — learn how to use an EpiPen

Food allergies are fairly common, especially in children.

Although you can’t tell by looking at someone whether or not they have allergies, the symptoms of anaphylaxis — a life-threatening allergic reaction — are immediate. Knowing how to use an EpiPen can save lives since the majority of children and adults with severe allergies carry epinephrine injectors with them at all times. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated quickly and properly.

The most common brand of injector is EpiPen.

Verywell Health has outlined four simple steps for administering an EpiPen:

1. Remove the EpiPen from its container: Unscrew the yellow cap from the container and slide out the EpiPen.
2. Remove the gray safety cap, which must be removed for the EpiPen to work.
3. Inject the pen into the thigh (through clothing, if necessary) and slowly count to 10.
4. Call 911 and dispose of the EpiPen or give it to the ambulance crew.

If you suffer from allergies to food, insect stings, medications or latex and are at risk of anaphylaxis, an EpiPen should be kept nearby at all times. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that may occur just minutes after exposure to an allergen.

An allergic reaction could cause your lips and tongue to swell or itch, and anaphylaxis may lead to tightness and closure of your throat along with difficulty breathing that becomes life threatening. 

The EpiPen contains epinephrine, a synthetic form of the hormone adrenaline that counteracts anaphylaxis. It is, however, a temporary fix, which is why it is crucial to call 911 when administering an EpiPen.

Researchers are unsure of why the number of children and adults with allergies continues to grow year after year. One in every 13 children has a food allergy while 52% of Americans who have food allergies developed them after the age of 18, with shellfish as the most common food allergy, followed by peanuts and then tree nuts such as walnuts, pecans and cashews.

While children may outgrow their allergies as they get older, adults who develop a food allergy usually continue to suffer for the remainder of their life.

Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in allergies. Other factors may include low vitamin D levels, genetic modification, hormones and herbicides. 

In addition to all of these possible allergen triggers, more children are being born and raised with severely damaged gut flora, which is largely the product of poor diet and antibiotics overuse, leading to something called Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS).

Allergies are not something to sneeze at. If you or a loved one has allergies, learn what’s in your food and in your surroundings and how to avoid those triggers and last, but not least, know how to use an EpiPen.