What should you know about AAGBI anaphylaxis?

Guidance associated with anaesthesia practice stresses rapid recognition, removal of a suspected trigger when possible, emergency treatment, and careful follow-up. The same central message applies outside an operating theatre: adrenaline is the first-line emergency medicine for suspected anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can affect breathing, circulation, or both. It may cause throat or tongue swelling, a hoarse voice, wheezing, persistent coughing, dizziness, collapse, or sudden marked weakness. Hives and flushing can occur, but skin changes may be absent. Food, medicines, insect stings, and latex are among the possible triggers.

AAGBI refers to professional guidance developed for anaesthesia teams. In that setting, clinicians may see sudden changes in breathing or blood pressure while a person cannot describe symptoms, so the team treats the emergency while investigating possible medicines or materials involved.

Use an adrenaline auto-injector as instructed if one is available, then call UAE emergency services. Lie the person flat with legs raised if tolerated; if breathing is difficult, allow a supported sitting position. A pregnant person should lie on their left side. Do not let the person stand or walk, even if they begin to feel better.

If symptoms continue and a second prescribed auto-injector is available, follow the emergency plan and dispatcher instructions. Antihistamines may ease skin symptoms, but they do not replace adrenaline for breathing or circulation problems. Keep the suspected trigger or medicine details for the treating team when this can be done safely.

Seek emergency care now for throat or tongue swelling, noisy or difficult breathing, wheezing with a suspected allergic reaction, fainting, collapse, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Emergency assessment is still needed after apparent improvement because symptoms can return and monitoring may be required.

After recovery, arrange clinical follow-up to review the likely trigger, decide whether allergy testing is appropriate, document medicines or materials used around the reaction, and receive a written action plan. Anyone prescribed an auto-injector should learn its technique and check how it should be carried and stored.

Ask which trigger is suspected, whether specialist allergy assessment is suitable, and which substances should be avoided while the cause is being clarified. Also ask for a demonstration of your auto-injector, guidance on carrying spare devices, and a written emergency plan for home, work, school, or travel.