Imagine that you are eating something at a store with a friend, or you are at a party at a relative's house. Suddenly, your friend has difficulty breathing, has red, swollen welts all over his body... We really get very worried at times like this, don't we? This is what we call a severe allergy, or in medical terms , anaphylaxis . Today we are talking about a special device that is used to save lives in such emergencies. That is called Auvi-Q.
What is this severe allergy (Anaphylaxis)?
Simply put, an allergy is an overreaction of our body's immune system to something that is normally harmless (for example, a food, a medicine, an insect sting). We call this reaction an ``allergen''.
Most of the time, these allergies can be mild. Things like watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and hives. But sometimes, they can be very severe. This severe condition, which we call ``Anaphylaxis'', can even be life-threatening.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency , so it is important to be aware of its symptoms.
In this severe condition, symptoms such as:
| Symptom category | Demonstrable characteristics |
|---|---|
| Skin and mucous membranes | Rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. |
| Respiratory system | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing. |
| Circulatory system | Dizziness, loss of consciousness, very low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat. |
| Digestive system | Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting. |
| Mental state | A feeling that something bad is going to happen, a feeling of intense unease. |
What is Auvi-Q? How does it work?
Auvi-Q is a pre-filled injection-like device that can be used in an emergency. It contains the life-saving drug adrenaline , or epinephrine.
The special thing about this is that it has a voice recording that tells us how to use it. In an emergency, we can forget how to give the injection because we are so nervous. But this voice recording in Auvi-Q reminds us of what to do step by step. It is also designed to be easy to carry in your pocket, and it is designed in a flat shape.
What happens inside the body with Auvi-Q?
When you get this injection, the medicine `(Epinephrine)` enters the body and does several things:
- Blood vessels constrict: This causes blood pressure, which had dropped significantly, to begin to return to normal.
- Opens airways: It makes swollen and blocked airways slightly larger, making breathing easier.
- Reduces swelling: Reduces swelling in areas like the lips, tongue, and throat.
- Controls the release of histamine: It reduces the release of a chemical called ``Histamine'' from the body, which causes things like itching and swelling.
How to use Auvi-Q in an emergency?
This is a medicine that should only be used in emergencies. The person with the allergy can inject it themselves, or someone nearby can inject it. The most important thing is to use it as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms of a severe allergy.
As soon as you remove the outer cover of the Auvi-Q, the audio starts to give you instructions. The three main steps in those instructions are:
1. Remove the red safety guard.
2. Place the black tip of the device on the back of your thigh (usually over your pants, but it doesn't matter) and press firmly.
3. After hearing a " click " and "buzz" sound, press and hold for 2 seconds.
That's all you have to do! Within those two seconds, the entire dose is absorbed into your body. Then the device itself tells you to seek medical advice immediately.
Very important: This injection should only be given in the middle, outer thigh . If you accidentally inject it into your hand, fingers, or anywhere else, it can cause serious side effects. If this happens, you should go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Different doses of Auvi-Q and how to identify them
Auvi-Q comes in three doses for different age groups and weights. These are color-coded for easy identification. Your doctor will advise you on this.
| Dose | Who should use it? | Label color |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1 mg (lowest dose) | For babies and young children. (Weight 7.5 to 15 kg) | White and purple |
| 0.15 mg (medium dose) | For children. (Weight 15 to 30 kg) | Blue color |
| 0.3 mg (maximum dose) | For adults and children weighing over 30 kg. | Orange color |
Other important things to know
- Trainer: If you want to practice using this before an emergency, there is a trainer that doesn't contain any medicine or needles. It has a gray cover. But don't confuse it with the real medicine.
- Expiration and Inspection: Check the expiration date on your Auvi-Q at least once every few months. Also, look through the small window to see if the medicine is clear and colorless . If it has changed color, is cloudy, or has small particles in it, it is not good to use. You should get a new one right away.
- Awareness: Tell those closest to you, such as your family, friends, and teachers, that you have such a device and how to use it.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. But remember, these side effects are not that serious compared to a severe allergy that can be life-threatening.
- Restlessness, anxiety
- Difficulty breathing (temporary)
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Headache
- Paleness
- Nausea and vomiting
Some of these symptoms are similar to those of an allergy, so it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. However, you should definitely go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) after taking Auvi-Q.
Take-Home Message
- A severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, is a life-threatening medical emergency.
- Auvi-Q is a special device that contains epinephrine and provides voice instructions that can be used to save lives in such situations.
- This should always be used only on the outside of the thigh .
- After using Auvi-Q, even if symptoms subside, you should definitely go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you or your child has severe allergies, talk to your doctor about whether you need a device like this and how to use it to get proper advice.
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