How is anaphylaxis treated?
Prompt epinephrine injection is critical.
When exposure does occur, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms early. The most important treatment is prompt epinephrine injection. After injecting epinephrine, you should go to the nearest medical facility immediately. Epinephrine provides emergency treatment of anaphylaxis but does not replace assessment and treatment in hospital.
If your symptoms have not improved within 10 minutes since the first injection, you need a second dose
The need for a second dose:
The need for a second dose cannot be predicted:
- 35% (38/105) of patients may require more than one epinephrine dose to reverse symptomatology as shown in a study
- A second severe reaction can occasionally occur up to 24 hours after the first
- Over 60% of second-phase reactions are as severe or worse than the initial reaction
