One of the biggest problems with having a severe allergic reaction is that even if you carry an epipen, there might not be anyone around who knows how to use it.
If you’re in anaphylactic shock, you’ll unfortunately not be able to tell them, either. But the FDA has approved a new product that will speak to the people using it, giving them instructions on how to administer the device’s medicine.
The Medication Itself
Anyone who experiences anaphylactic shock needs the same medicine, epinephrine.
Whether it’s an epipen or this new talking device, the epinephrine has to reach the patient quickly, or else a fatality may result.
The new talking device is designed for this precise scenario, talking bystanders through the process of injection so the patient is more likely to recover. As soon as the outer covering is removed, the directions start playing.
They’re very simple, with only four steps, but this neat little technological innovation can mean the difference between life and death for a person with an allergic reaction to, say, peanuts or bee stings.
Rising Allergy Rates in the US
Devices like these come at the perfect time for a country that’s experiencing higher allergy rates than ever before. Over 6 million people are known to be allergic in such a severe way that they could suffer anaphylaxis. And unfortunately, that number is growing.
Children in particular have experienced higher rates of food allergies, which is particularly dangerous because a child might be unsupervised when these allergies are discovered. One study showed that from 1997 to 2008, tree nut allergies in children rose from 0.2% to 1.1%, and that’s in just over a decade.
How Can I Protect My Child?
It’s not just tree nuts that are a common culprit. Other common allergies include:
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Latex
- Insect bites
To protect your child, consider getting him or her tested for any of these allergies. Once his allergies have been detected, you can get an epinephrine-injecting device of your choice. Although the talking device is a good option, the basic requirement is that you have epinephrine available at all times.
If your child has a severe allergy, you can’t take any chances. Notify your school officials and make sure that your child’s school nurse is aware of his or her condition.
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