Several different types of allergies can cause a severe reaction, especially in children. Usually, an EpiPen dispenses the medication your child needs to deal with this problem. If your child faces this challenge as well as other difficulties, you may need to make sure that you know how to help administer this medication, just in case. You could seek assistance from a pediatric care provider to administer the EpiPen and teach you the proper way to handle it yourself.
Learning how to use it properly yourself is also important.
EpiPens Are Crucial for Children with Allergies
There are a variety of different types of allergies that can cause an anaphylactic reaction, especially in children. These can include food allergies, allergies to insect bites and stings, and even medications. Having an EpiPen handy if you’ve got a child with these types of allergies is essential to act quickly during a reaction. Your child’s doctor will prescribe an EpiPen if that’s the quickest way to respond to her allergic reactions.
Here’s How They Work
EpiPens are an auto-injection system that contains a pre-measured dose of epinephrine, also called adrenaline. Once injected, the adrenaline helps to control the allergic reaction, hopefully before the person who needs the shot is deprived of oxygen or experiences other problems due to the allergic reaction. EpiPens need to be carried with your child everywhere because you never know when it may be needed.
Storing EpiPens Properly Is Important
Storing EpiPens is especially important. Always remember to check the expiration date on the medication, because it loses its efficacy past that date. EpiPens do not need to be refrigerated, but they should be stored away from heat and direct sunlight. They are best stored at room temperature, usually in a bag or backpack that you or your child carry at all times.
Learning to Use EpiPens Properly
EpiPens are not difficult to use, but they do need to be used properly to be effective. A pediatric care nurse will likely teach you how to use the EpiPen, but there may be some extra circumstances to consider. If your child goes to school and may have developmental disabilities to keep her from using the EpiPen properly, it might be important to have pediatric care providers with her during the day. They can help with other needs and also be on the lookout for any situation that might require helping with an EpiPen dose.
EpiPens and their equivalents are vital medical tools to have on hand if your child has allergies that could result in an anaphylactic reaction.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Pediatric Care Services in Northampton PA please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Allentown today. Call 610-432-6766
Extended Family Care Allentown is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Allentown, Pennsylvania including Bethlehem, Easton, Emmaus, Macungie, Whitehall, Schnecksville, Catasauqua, Northampton, and Nazareth.
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