Originally Posted by Helena Handbaskets
And I tried to imagine what I'd do if it didn't work, or didn't work fast enough. I eventually figured that my backup plan would be to bite into some Benadryl gelcaps I had, figuring that would be a quicker way to get the dose into me than swallowing a tablet (and realizing that swallowing might not be an option during an anaphylactic shock episode).
A telephone + 9-1-1.
Intravenous Benadryl (or equiv.) along with Epi delivered will generally keep the airway open. If not, medics can do an advanced airway (intubation) and breathe for you.
If you live in a remote location (say... rural Montana) or 911 dispatch informs you emergency response will be delayed (traffic, other calls, etc.), as long as you can swallow, I'd unofficially tell you to take a Benadryl tab if epi isn't available. If you pass out I wouldn't have a family member try and stuff anything down your throat as that can complicate things.
Maybe our doctor student can correct me if I'm wrong, but self-delivered sub-lingual (under tongue) might be a faster absorption route than swallowing the tab or biting into it. I know that's true with Nitro spray.
If you do take something (and I'm not really advocating that) before emergency responsers arrive, make sure someone takes note of the time and the dosage as this will affect other medications that are given.
Naeglerian, interesting study you posted. Thanks. The sticky part here is that only 1/3 identified themselves to flight crews. This leads me to believe that either A) they only have mild allergies - rashes, etc. or B) they're full of something (in addition to nuts).