I am deadly allergic to bees and last summer I got stung and my tounge swelled and I got real pale and hard a very hard time breathing. We called 911 and they said that my reaction was severe. I have an epi-pen ( well 2 of them ) and I am going to get a medic alert bracelt. My question is if I ever have to use the epi-pen do I need to call 911 still. I have asked some peopel and one doctor said no just watch my self and one said to call 911. What do yall think.. Whith a reaction that bad will one shot of the pen work????
2006-12-14 00:22:58 · 16 answers · asked by Sarah G 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
You call 911. Your reactions to the sting could change as you age and if you need to use 2 pens, then you should have already been at the hospital. Usually epi pens work fast, but I wouldn't take chances, anaphylactic shock can happen very fast.
2006-12-14 02:27:08 · answer #1 · answered by RBRN 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would call 911, even after using the epi pen. Epi will help keep your airway open for a time but, you probably need other medications as well to keep the allergic reaction from returning. Epi is not an antidote for the bee venom (which will take time to clear from your system). If your reaction is severe, you can't be too careful. You should keep both epi pens with you anytime you could come in contact with bees. (just in case the first one malfunctions)
2006-12-14 00:37:48 · answer #2 · answered by Kat_RN 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have an epi-pen too and I was told to get to a hospital even after I take the shot. The doctor told me the epi-pen will buy you time to get to the hospital (about 20-30 minutes). So either call 911 or if someone can get you there quicker, than do that. Don't risk it.
2006-12-14 02:11:55 · answer #3 · answered by Althea 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should definitly call 9-1-1 right away the epie pens are only temporary I have an epie-pen for my allegeries and they said you MUST go straight to a doctors office or preferbly a hospital!!!
2006-12-14 02:08:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
After you use the epi-pen you still need to take precautions and get into the dr immediately or go into the emergeny room. The epi-pen is just so your airway remains open but you will still need to make sure that it has fought all of the poisons. They do work with severe reactions.
2006-12-14 00:29:55 · answer #5 · answered by Tazzy375 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My brother used to carry an epi pen, and I know they can have some nasty side effects. If the reaction to the sting was bad enough, it is probably still a good idea to go to the ER or at least urgent care after using the pen just to be cleared.
2006-12-14 00:32:51 · answer #6 · answered by CincyJen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES, you still call 911, a epi-pen is a TEMPORARY answer, it is for right here right now, it is to delay the reaction or lessen the reaction. With a severe reaction it will not last forever, this is just a means of buying extra time, time to get to a hospital.
2006-12-14 00:34:06 · answer #7 · answered by newfie272 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You got great answers; all correct.
Just want to add:
FYI: What you experienced is called anaphylaxis. The epinephrine(epi-pen) is only part of the treatment. You need to be observed and evaluated further.
My son has the same allergy as you do. I could never figure out why he was stationed in Kenya, Africa.
Never leave home without your epi-pen!
2006-12-14 01:05:00 · answer #8 · answered by smartycat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES! The amount of epinephrine in an Epi-Pen is good for about 10 minutes. While it will help with a reaction you need to get to a hospital for observation after. You may also need a second, or third, etc.... dose.
2006-12-14 01:24:47 · answer #9 · answered by tessasmomy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The epi-pen will work,but, I would call 911 just to have someone on line with you til things settle down and you are reassured that you will be okay.
2006-12-14 00:27:06 · answer #10 · answered by nuttin'fancy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋