Awareness and First Aid

Learn how to identify allergy symptoms, prepare for anything allergy related, and when to call for help.

If you’re prone to allergies, you’ll have noticed that whenever the seasons change, they start acting up. This is especially true moving from winter to spring and spring to summer, as new plants and flowers release pollen and other irritants into the air. ER24 Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedic and Metro South Branch Manager Tao Ann Carstens outlines what you need to know ahead of summer.

Are allergic reactions common?

I’ve seen my fair share of bad allergic reactions during my career. Often, people don’t even recognize it as an allergic reaction. Sometimes asthmatic people will think it’s their asthma acting up; others may think that they’re suffering from sinusitis.

Seasonal allergies act up a lot when the wind is up and carries pollen and other triggers through the air. But these reactions are not specific to warm weather seasons and may occur after bouts of wet weather when grass starts to grow. I suffer from seasonal allergies, and I had one awful experience when my eyes swelled up and became watery, and I struggled to breathe. My chest became so tight that I needed to be nebulised so I could breathe a bit easier.

How are allergies treated in an emergency?

Most allergies respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. These include antihistamines like Allergex, AP-loratadine, and Texa 10. Sometimes, a reaction can be so severe that paramedics will be required. We have the equipment to handle any extreme cases, including a nebuliser, which helps in the case of anaphylaxis [a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction]. We may nebulise a patient to help them breathe and open the lungs. Sometimes we’ll even put up a drip with some cortisone to help the lungs. We’ll also move the patient out of the wind to be clear of pollen and spores.

What can you do to prepare for allergy season?

Allergies need to be managed. While no vaccination exists, you can be ready by stocking up your medicine cabinet with OTC antihistamines; there are also non-drowsy options available. Have nasal spray and eye drops on hand, which can also help, and stock up a car kit with similar meds just in case someone reacts to allergies on the road.

In the event of an extreme allergic reaction, call ER24 on 084 124 for real help, real fast