Anaphylaxis: First aid

A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can produce shock and life-threatening respiratory distress and circulatory collapse.

In sensitive people, anaphylaxis can occur within minutes, but may also occur up to several hours after exposure to a specific allergy-causing substance. A wide range of substances — including insect venom, pollen, latex, and certain foods and drugs — can cause anaphylaxis. Some people have anaphylactic reactions from unknown causes.

If you're extremely sensitive, you might break out in hives and your eyes or lips might swell severely. The inside of your throat might swell as well, even to the point of causing difficulty breathing and shock. Your blood pressure drops, and your internal organs can be affected. Dizziness, mental confusion, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea also may accompany anaphylaxis.

How you can be ready:
If you've had an anaphylactic reaction in the past, carry medications with you as an antidote. Epinephrine is the most commonly used drug for severe allergic reactions. It comes only as an injection that must be prescribed by your doctor. You can self-administer epinephrine with an auto-injector, such as the EpiPen. Be sure to read the injection instructions as soon as you receive an auto-injector, and have your household members read them as well.

You should also carry an antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), because the effects of epinephrine are only temporary. Seek emergency medical attention immediately after taking these medications.

If you observe someone having an allergic reaction with signs of anaphylaxis:

1. Call 911 or your local medical emergency number.
2. Check for special medications that the person might be carrying to treat an allergic attack, such as an auto-injector of epinephrine (for example, EpiPen). Administer the drug as directed — usually by pressing the auto-injector against the person's thigh and holding it in place for several seconds. Massage the injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption. After administering epinephrine, have the person take an antihistamine pill if he or she is able to do so without choking. Look for a medical emergency ID bracelet or necklace.
3. Have the person lie still on his or her back with feet higher than the head.
4. Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give anything else to drink.
5. If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking.
6. If there are no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), begin CPR.

Moving on to new challenges is a natural part of working life. You can transfer to a different position where you currently work, or gain the skills and experience you need to apply for a position higher up the ladder.

Hints to help:

• Do your homework. Find out where your company is going and where future needs might be. Read the company's annual financial report and trade journals. Make an appointment with a human resources professional at your company, if possible, to discuss future opportunities.
• Let your intentions be known. If you have a comfortable relationship with your supervisor, let him or her know that you're interested in building skills to help you advance in your career. Supervisors typically know the type of employee the company looks for and may recommend you when an opening becomes available. Keep in mind that you won't get a recommendation if your supervisor doesn't know you're interested.
• Find a mentor. Whether it's your supervisor or someone outside your department, having someone mentor you on your career journey is an invaluable asset. A good mentor will do more than stroke your ego. He or she will help you avoid setbacks and unnecessary stress by looking critically at your goals and how best to achieve them.
• Own up to at least one weakness. Be bold. Identify one thing that would help you do your job better or improve your relationships with your boss and co-workers. A weakness isn't necessarily something you're doing wrong. It can be something you simply need more experience or confidence in. Whatever the case, improvements you make now will move with you from job to job. Enlist your manager's support and work on it. You'll get his or her attention.
• Take on new challenges. Hear about a new project through the company grapevine? Find out about it. If it matches your skill set, ask your supervisor if you can work on the project team or take the lead. If you get the assignment, go the extra mile to do a good job.
• Broadcast your accomplishments. But don't brag. Simply take control of the way co-workers think of you. Here's an example: You meet the director of another department on the elevator. She or he asks you how things are going. Instead of answering "fine," use the time to mention a project you're working on or a recent accomplishment.
• Keep your eye on opportunities within your company. Check job postings often. Also, let people outside of your department know you're upgrading your skills and would consider a transfer if an interesting position came open. Take a look at areas in which your company has needs and see if you have some talent or skills they could use.
• Take advantage of on-the-job training. Most companies offer free group training in computer skills and aspects of management. After you complete them, be sure to list them on your resume.