{"id":4769,"date":"2025-11-07T11:32:36","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T16:32:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/martins.eatsmartbewell.com\/home\/?p=4769"},"modified":"2025-11-07T11:40:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T16:40:07","slug":"how-to-use-an-epipen-to-save-a-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foresthillsada.eatsmartbewell.com\/home\/how-to-use-an-epipen-to-save-a-life\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use an EpiPen\u00ae to Save a Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How
\nHow to Use an EpiPen\u00ae to Save a Life<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>
\nAccording to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 1,500 fatalities a year are due to a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. However, receiving prompt treatment with epinephrine (an EpiPen\u00ae) can mean the difference between life and death. <\/p>\n

What is Anaphylaxis?<\/strong><\/span>
\nAnaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction resulting in a drop in blood pressure and narrowing of the airways after exposure to an allergen or trigger. <\/p>\n

Food, insect bites or stings and medications are the most likely causes.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis<\/strong><\/span>
\nMouth:<\/strong><\/span> itching and swelling of lips and tongue
\nThroat:<\/strong><\/span> itching, tightness, closure, hoarseness and difficulty swallowing
\nSkin:<\/strong><\/span> itching, hives, redness and swelling
\nStomach:<\/strong><\/span> vomiting, diarrhea and cramps
\nChest:<\/strong><\/span> shortness of breath, cough, wheeze and chest pain\/tightness
\nHeart:<\/strong><\/span> weak pulse, dizziness and passing out
\nOther:<\/strong><\/span> a feeling of impending doom, headache, itchy\/watery eyes and nasal congestion<\/p>\n

Being Prepared<\/strong><\/span>
\nIf you have an EpiPen, make sure you always have it with you and carry a spare. (Up to 35% of people require more than one dose.)<\/p>\n

Next, make sure those close to you are aware of your health situation. Share your triggers and symptoms with them and show them where you keep your EpiPen. Many patients are given practice EpiPens to become more comfortable with how they work. If you haven\u2019t already, you can request one from your doctor.<\/p>\n

Talk to your doctor about creating an action plan. This plan should instruct you and others what to watch out for and what to do in case of anaphylaxis.<\/p>\n

This plan will be a great reference for you and others on what to watch out for and what to do in case of anaphylaxis.<\/p>\n

You will not harm someone by administering an EpiPen. However, delaying giving an injection can lead to death.<\/em><\/p>\n

Knowing Your EpiPen<\/strong><\/span>
\nUse the following steps from the medical experts at Healthline to administer an EpiPen:<\/p>\n