Having food allergies can range from a major inconvenience and misery to a major medical emergency. For some avoiding the foods they are allergic to can mean the difference between staying healthy and an emergency room visit. For those people it becomes necessary to carry an EpiPen with them at all times. EpiPens are an auto injector simple enough a child can use it that is filled with epinephrine, the drug that can stop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is the worst case scenario for those with allergies, and can range from swelling of the tissue of the mouth, throat and lungs making breathing difficult, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, to shock, loss of consciousness, and the most severe of cases patients can stop breathing or their heart can stop. There is no warning beyond the symptoms that anaphylactic shock can occur, and for some this reaction can occur where there was no allergy before, or where allergy symptoms were previously milder.

For those who much carry an EpiPen they must learn to use this pen properly and quickly including children who may be in a situation where there is no knowledgeable adult to help them. Most doctors’ offices and many pharmacies have practice injectors that can be used learn the proper way to administer an EpiPen and this can be very useful in not only teaching an older child in its use but getting them comfortable with the idea of injecting it in themselves if it should ever be necessary.

To use the EpiPen remove the cap that is opposite of the black tip, this is a safety device and the pen will not work unless this is removed. Hold the pen in your hand with all four fingers wrapped around it tightly. Firmly jab the black tip into your thigh and push till you here the click. Hold it for 10-15 full seconds.

One you have used an EpiPen you or someone you are with needs to call 911, be sure to let the operator know that you have used an EpiPen for an allergic reactions so that they will know tell the EMTs to bring more epinephrine with them. Epinephrine is a temporary solution to anaphylaxis and going to the hospital to be monitored after it is administered is a must.