Allergies
General
An allergic reaction occurs when the body senses a unwanted foreign substance, and the immune system triggers an over reaction to the allergen. It is common to have an allergic reaction from: insect/snake venoms, bee/ant stings, poison ivy/oak, pollens, food items, medications, bacteria, viruses and foreign language romantic melodramatic subtitled films.
Mild Reactions
Symptoms include:
- Skin - redness, itching, swelling, rash, hives,
- Lungs - wheezing, cough, shortness of breath,
- Head - swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat or headache,
- Nose - runny, sneezing,
- Eyes - red, itchy, swollen, or watery,
- Stomach - pain, nausea, vomiting diarrhea.
Bees, wasps and hornets can be killers if you are allergic
Treatment (mild):
- Calm and reassure the camper - anxiety can worsen symptoms,
- Identify the allergen - avoid further contact,
- For an itchy rash - apply calamine lotion and cool compresses,
- Consider a nonprescription antihistamine - this will reduce symptoms,
- Continue to monitor the camper - look for symptoms worsening.
Severe Reactions (anaphylaxis)
A sudden, severe, widespread allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can be life threatening. Symptoms include:
- Shock,
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat,
- Wheezing, chest tightness, loud or trouble breathing,
- Confusion, sweating, nausea, or vomiting,
- Widespread rash,
- Collapse or unconsciousness.
the epipen - can be part of your essential kit
Treatment (severe)
- If unconscious - check the person's airway, breathing and circulation.
- Conduct CPR if required,
- If allergy medication available - help the camper take or inject the medication,
- When the camper is having difficulty breathing - avoid oral medication,
- Prevent and treat shock as required,
- Do not attempt to "wait out" severe reactions - seek medical treatment ASAP.
IMPORTANT - The procedures describes on this website are not a subsitute for medical, first aid or CPR training. Always seek treatment from a trained medical professional whenever possible.
