Do you know what anaphylactic shock is? If your answer is no, it is proof that an awareness campaign on this subject is more than necessary.
Launched today by the French Association for the Prevention of Allergies (Afpral), this campaign aims to better inform the population about it, and to learn the right reflexes to save lives.
the anaphylactic shock, also called anaphylaxis, is an exacerbated allergic reaction following contact with an allergen. This reaction of the immune system can manifest itself as giant urticaria (rash), edema, breathing or heart problems depending on the severity of the shock. This condition represents a vital emergency for the allergic person, especially if an asthma attack accompanies it.
This is where the pen injector comes in.adrenaline. This little-known medical device makes it possible to counter anaphylactic shock by stopping the drop in blood pressure due to the allergic reaction. This dose of prescription adrenaline (Anapen, Jext, Epipen) should be administered within 20 minutes of the onset of symptoms, into the thigh muscle.
Faced with two deaths that have occurred in canteens in recent years following anaphylactic shocks not taken care of in time, Afpral has therefore decided to set up a large awareness campaign. The association has opened a website dedicated to this condition (www. urgence-anaphylaxie.com) intended for people with allergies, but also childcare professionals, healthcare professionals and relatives of a severe allergic person. On this site, the association advises patients suffering from anaphylactic shock to administer their dose of adrenaline as quickly as possible, recalling that “there is no health contraindication in all cases” and that it is better to act if you feel it is necessary.
At the start of the 2015 school year, the association will distribute 1,200 emergency training kits for anaphylactic shock to school doctors. They can then introduce the faculty to these adrenaline pens that can save lives. Finally, a 28-page book available on the Afpral online store offers practical advice on how to react well in the event of an anaphylactic shock.
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