How to Treat Anaphylactic Shock With Epinephrine

Epinephrine, which is also known as adrenaline, is the only truly effective treatment for anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition caused by a severe allergic reaction. Only epinephrine can re-open the bronchial tubes in the lungs to allow breathing to resume, or to resuscitate the heart if it has stopped beating.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor or healthcare professional
• Epinephrine and syringes
• EpiPen

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Instructions

• 1

  Obtain an epinephrine kit from your doctor to treat anaphylactic shock if it occurs. Most kits contain a combination of syringes and epinephrine, or a small pre-measured amount of epinephrine in a one-piece delivery system, such as an EpiPen. You should keep your epinephrine kit with you any time you leave your home, or any time you are not able to control your immediate environment.

• 2

  Teach your friends and family how to treat anaphylactic shock using your epinephrine kit. Train them to recognize the early symptoms of anaphylactic shock, such as dizziness or fainting, excessive swelling or hives, difficulty with breathing and gastrointestinal discomfort. In addition, notify your friends and family about your specific allergen triggers, so that emergency personnel can be properly informed about your condition when they arrive on the scene.

• 3

  Implement a strategy to get the medical treatment you need once you have been injected with your epinephrine kit. While an EpiPen or similar epinephrine delivery system can delay the effects of anaphylactic shock, you will still need to obtain emergency medical treatment at a hospital or emergency room. Even if you are starting to feel better, you will still need larger dosages of epinephrine, possibly in conjunction with antihistamines and oral steroids, to treat and recover from anaphylactic shock.

• 4

  Receive epinephrine treatment at the hospital once you arrive. You will probably stay at the hospital for 1 or 2 days following an episode of anaphylactic shock while your body stabilizes, as well as to undergo further tests regarding the allergens that triggered the attack.

• 5

  Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor or health care professional to determine whether your epinephrine kit was instrumental in saving your life, or whether adjustments need to be made. Many epinephrine delivery systems are available to individuals who are anaphylactic, and you may need to try several different types to find the one that is right for you.