People with known severe allergies should always carry epinephrine — and use it promptly if exposed to an allergen, according to a study in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy.
Never give Benadryl, which takes a minimum of 30 minutes to work.
Never hesitate to use epinephrine, which is the only effective treatment for anaphylaxis. Swelling of the lips and eyes, shortness of breath, and developing rash or hives signal the need for immediate epinephrine.
Call 911 immediately if no epinephrine is available.
