Emergency Epinephrine

Epinephrine is a chemical that opens the airways in the lungs and narrows blood veins. It is often given to people who are suffering from anaphylaxis or extreme allergic reactions. It allows the body to fight off the shock and can save the person’s life until the reaction wears off. Many people who have severe allergies keep auto-injectors with them in case they need to use them.

Why A Person May Need Emergency Epinephrine

There are several reasons. While it is most commonly used to fight allergic reactions, there are other uses for it as well. Doctors are careful about giving epinephrine to their patients because it can have some side effects. In most cases, it will only be given in the event of a medical emergency. Some common reasons a person may need emergency epinephrine include:

• Hives
• Low blood pressure
• Skin itching
• Wheezing
• Food allergies
• Drug reactions
• Insect bites
• Severe injuries

 

Preparing For Emergency Epinephrine

Emergency epinephrine is usually given with little notice. Since it is considered an emergency injection, there may be no time to prepare. The person administering the injection may clean the area with an alcohol swab to help prevent infection. In most cases, there is no time for preparations.

During An Emergency Epinephrine Procedure

During the procedure, the epinephrine is administered through an injection. It is typically given in the thigh. If a person is already attached to an IV, it may be administered through the line instead. Doctors, EMS workers, nurses, and surgeons are all capable of administering emergency epinephrine. Some people even administer it to themselves.

Emergency Epinephrine Recovery

Most people do not have a hard time recovering from an epinephrine injection. In fact, the reason for the injection is usually what requires recovery. Some people can feel tired or sore after the injection. Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site are also common. Most patients recover from the injection within a couple of days.

Emergency Epinephrine Complications

There are some complications related to emergency epinephrine injections. Some complications are serious, and others are common and mild. If you experience any of these complications after an epinephrine injection, contact a doctor at once. Some common complications include:

• Abnormal touch sensation
• Anxiety
• Arm, back, or jaw pain
• Blistering, bleeding, burning, skin discoloration, and coldness
• Feeling of pressure
• Hives
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Itching
• Lumps
• Numbness
• Warmth at the injection site
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Chest tightness or heaviness
• Paleness
• Dizziness
• Fainting

Emergency Epinephrine Results

Emergency epinephrine injections can save lives. They work quickly and are the treatment of choice of shock. Even after a person receives a shot of epinephrine, they should still seek medical attention and treatment. On rare occasions, the injections may not make a difference or stop the shock. People can also have allergic reactions to epinephrine. Doctors will advise patients if they should or should not use epinephrine in case of an emergency. There may be other ways to stop shock if epinephrine is not an option.