“What can the ER do for an allergic reaction?”
I have a peanut allergy attack. What can the ER do for an allergic reaction?
2 Answers
Allergist&ImmunologistEmergencyPhysician
The emergency room can provide oral, IV, or intramuscular medications like Benadryl, steroids, Pepcid, and life-saving epinephrine depending on your symptoms to help treat the reactions from the allergy. If severe, the ER can also support your airway if breathing becomes difficult or help increase your blood pressure if you go into anaphylactic shock.
Most importantly, the Emergency Physician will assess the patient suffering from an allergic reaction for any life-threatening signs and symptoms. The most severe of allergic reactions is anaphylaxis which can cause the patient=E2=80=99s throat and tongue to swell which can obstruct the airway. Once the threat of anaphylaxis is addressed, patient=E2=80=99s are then given a variety of medications to treat the rash and itch including epinephrine, steroids, histamine receptor blockers, and intravenous fluids. =20 Thanks! Marco Coppola, DO, FACEP Chief of Medical Staff, The Colony ER Hospital; Past Council Speaker, American College of Emergency Physicians; Brigadier General (Honorary Reserve), Texas State Guard Cell: 254-702-1335 <tel:254-702-1335>
