Why Minutes Matter During Treatment of Anaphylaxis

themighty.com:

“This seems a little dramatic.” My head snapped back toward the mother carrying the registration clipboard, and I couldn’t help but swallow my frustration at her glib remark.

I was leading the way from my urgent care lobby into the procedure room, my eyes never leaving the 13-year-old struggling to breath. “All I’m saying is that the last time I brought my other kid here for an allergic reaction, there wasn’t that much fuss.” My focus was on the child in front of me, snot now pouring down her face in two shining rivulets, her hands trembling as the pulse oximeter registered a jackrabbit’s heart rate of 115 and climbing.

Her face was round, shiny, and stretched; her lips were trembling, swollen beyond a normal pressure. My own blood pressure started to rise as I initiated an anaphylaxis code while the mom continued to complain about my approach. “Don’t you think you’re being a little dramatic?” She paused walking, looking at my staff as they flurried around us prepping the procedure room, using a word that had me bristling silently. “Ma’am, this daughter is in anaphylaxis and we need to administer epinephrine immediately.” The girl’s face turned a deeper shade of pink and hives continue to blotch her neck. “I’m scared,” she choked. “I know you are,” I patted her hand, the other holding the autoinjector ready to go. “But you’re in a safe place and we’re going to get you to where you need to be.” “Where’s that?” Mom asked. “After we administer the epinephrine your daughter will be monitored for a biphasic allergic reaction.