Adrenaline For The Win
- Mercan Gures
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
What is an EpiPen?
EpiPens, generically known as Epinepherine Auto injectors, are practical, auto injectable devices used in cases of allergic reactions.These severe allergic reactions are known as Anaphylaxis. Epinephrine (adrenaline) , is the name of the drug the devices contain and the drug that is injected through them.
What is epinephrine/adrenaline and how does it help?
Adrenaline is a hormone that our glands already produce naturally to help regulate organ functions. Typically, it is relased when the body is under stress. When anaphylaxis symptoms are present and the EpiPen is used, the adrenaline entering the body’s blood stream does this to help it surpass the allergic reactions:
Opens airways : this is done by relaxing muscles in the lungs to allow air to flow easily
Raises blood pressure: this is done by tightening blood vessels in order to prevent a dangerous drop in blood pressure
Reduces swelling: through the improved and faster circulation swelling in areas such as the throat , lips and face are reduced.
After the EpiPen is used, it is recommended to go to the hospital immediately so that physicians can monitor your body’s reaction closely, as you may get a second reaction called a “Bipashic” reaction after the usage of the EpiPen or even a very rare case of “protracted anaphylaxis” where the reaction can last up to days or weeks. Often, anaphylaxis patients are monitored around 4 to 12 hours before they can safely leave the hospital.
Side effects of the EpiPen?
EpiPens can lead to different side effects that usually don’t last much longer than 30 minutes. These side effects can include:
Rapid heart rate
Anxiety and nervousness
Tremors and shaking
Headaches and dizziness
All of these are common and are a sign that the medication is working to fight the allergic reaction.
All about alleriges:
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a forgein substance that enters your body. These substances are known as allergens and can include pollen, different foods, insect venom etc. Once the forgein substance has entered your body, it is marked as harmful by antibodies made by the immune system. Allegic reactions can vary from minor reactions such as itchy skin to a life threatening emergency which is what is known as anaphylaxis.
Hay fever/ allergic rhinitis caused by e.g. pollen can lead to sneezing itching of the skin (nose eyes etc.), a runny nose and several other mild symptoms.
Food allergies caused by nuts for instance, often result in tingling in the mouth, swelling of the lips, etc. but most importantly they can lead to anaphylaxis
Insect sting allergies such as ones to bee stings, can cause itching, the affected area to swell, caughing, chest tightness and to anaphylaxis as well.
A medicine allergy to penicillin for example, can cause hives, facial swelling, vomiting, dizziness and anaphylaxis.
Fun facts about allergies:
1 in 23 million people get an allergic reaction when in contact with water. This allergy is very rare and known as aquagenic urticaria
Approximately 9.7% of healthcare workers have a latex allergy • Climate change if making allergies worse by lengthening pollen season
Dogs, cats, horses, birds and guinea pigs are the animals that most commonly cause allergies
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