General

An allergic reaction occurs when the body senses an unwanted foreign substance, and the immune system triggers an overreaction to the allergen. It is common to have an allergic reaction from insect/snake venoms, bee/ant stings, poison ivy/oak, pollens, food items, medications, bacteria, viruses and foreign language romantic melodramatic subtitled films.

Mild Reactions

Symptoms include: 

• Skin – redness, itching, swelling, rash, hives,
• Lungs – wheezing, cough, shortness of breath,
• Head – swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat or headache,
• Nose – runny, sneezing,
• Eyes – red, itchy, swollen, or watery,
• Stomach – pain, nausea, vomiting diarrhea.

Treatment (mild):

• Calm and reassure the camper – anxiety can worsen symptoms,
• Identify the allergen – avoid further contact,
• For an itchy rash – apply calamine lotion and cool compresses,
• Consider a nonprescription antihistamine – this will reduce symptoms,
• Continue to monitor the camper – look for symptoms worsening.

Severe Reactions (anaphylaxis)

A sudden, severe, widespread allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can be life-threatening. Symptoms include: 

• Shock,
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat,
• Wheezing, chest tightness, loud or trouble breathing,
• Confusion, sweating, nausea, or vomiting,
• Widespread rash,
• Collapse or unconsciousness.

Treatment (severe)

• If unconscious – check the person’s airway, breathing and circulation.
• Conduct CPR if required,
• If allergy medication is available – help the camper take or inject the medication,
• When the camper is having difficulty breathing – avoid oral medication,
• Prevent and treat shock as required,
• Do not attempt to “wait out” severe reactions – seek medical treatment ASAP.

IMPORTANT – The procedures described on this website are not a substitute for medical, first aid or CPR training. Always seek treatment from a trained medical professional whenever possible.