RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Swelling, vomiting, shock, fainting and coma are just a handful of potential symptoms caused by this common disorder affecting well over half of Americans.

Anaphylaxis, also known as an allergic reaction, is the result of hypersensitive allergies, which affects a large group of Americans. Now EpiPen, an anti-anaphylaxis product which has been on the market for over 20 years, is being stocked by KMC schools and has already begun saving lives.

The EpiPen is an auto-injector containing a 0.3 ml dosage of epinephrine (adrenaline) that can be self-administered, according to the EpiPen Web site. It contains a spring-loaded needle that delivers the medication to the user.

"The two immediate dangers of an allergic reaction are loss of blood pressure and constriction of airways," said Doctor (Maj.) Karla Davis, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center allergist and clinical immunologist. "The epinephrine in the EpiPen raises the blood pressure to a more stable level and relaxes the breathing passages so the patient doesn't choke."

Recently, the 435th Medical Group, in coordination with Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the Department of Defense Dependents Schools, supplied KMC schools with EpiPens to protect students from potentially life threatening allergic reactions.

Lt. Col. Jennifer Snyder, 435th Medical Group chief nurse, said nurses are trained before using the EpiPens, which have now been provided to school nurses. Each of them knows who they are authorized to use the medication on and when. She said training is also provided yearly to refresh nurses on proper procedures.

The life-saving effects of the EpiPen have already been displayed recently at Ramstein High School when an eight year old student was treated for an allergic reaction.

The student was on his school bus, in route to school, when he began to have difficulty breathing and his eyes began to swell and itch. The child's parent had given him Motrin that morning for a headache, and this was the first time he had taken Motrin. The bus driver recognized the obvious signs of an allergic reaction and called ahead to the nearest school -- Ramstein. The bus driver took the student immediately to the high school where they were met by school nurse Maureen Husum.

"I immediately identified the child was having an allergic reaction to the Motrin," said Ms. Husum. "I quickly administered the EpiPen and contacted the medics and child's parents."

The ambulance rushed the student to LRMC where he was further treated and made a complete recovery.

"The nurses and administration at schools throughout the KMC are very appreciative of the support they have received from the Air Force and Army medical commands," said Ms. Husum. "The EpiPens are a big step in the direction of keeping our students healthier by minimizing the critical risks involved with allergic reactions."