On Call w/ Chris EP7: Allergic Reactions

[Michael]

 

[mjherron]

Thanks Chris!

 

[Baipin]

Thank you so much for doing this! I have plenty of anaphylactic food allergies myself, which is actually one of the reasons I got into overlanding in the first place, as I can bring all the food I need to bring, with me! I carry a couple Epi's in my first-aid kit and have had to use them a few times - not on myself, but on others who didn't know they were allergic to bees and certain plants.

I wrote my thesis on food allergies in young adults. A lot of people think it's a problem that just affects kids, which it isn't. One thing that stuck with me through the research was how common and varied allergies are. About 7% of people are allergic to something, and that could be anything. It's often not something you grow out of, either.

 

[Wanderingjeep1]

Chris, what are your thoughts on carrying PO Pepcid to give as well? In the hospital setting I know we give Pepcid for H2 antagonist through an IV, will it help being given by mouth in the field?

 

[El Solis]

Hey!
If there are mild symptoms then Pepcid might help but in the PO form the dose has to be much larger than normal due to first pass metabolism in the liver. I wouldn’t rely on it in the back country. If you only have Benadryl and Pepcid then go for it and use both.

 

[Jeep backroads]

Great Information! I carry Benadryl but looks like I need to take a class and carry a epipen.