What to know after anaphylaxis

Symptoms can return after seeming to settle, so respect the observation and discharge instructions from the emergency team. Keep prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors accessible, learn how to use them and arrange medical follow-up to clarify the trigger and prevention plan.

Tiredness, shakiness or soreness may follow the reaction and its treatment. These feelings should gradually ease, but new allergy symptoms deserve prompt attention. A clinician can review what happened, the timing of foods, medicines or stings, and whether allergy testing is appropriate.

Write down the suspected exposure, symptoms, treatments and location of care while details are fresh. This record can help distinguish a likely trigger from unrelated exposures and supports a practical emergency action plan.

Avoid the suspected trigger until it has been assessed. Read ingredient or medicine labels carefully, tell healthcare and food-service staff about the allergy, and do not test a suspected trigger yourself.

Carry the number of adrenaline auto-injectors prescribed for you and check their expiry dates and storage instructions. Make sure family, friends or colleagues know where they are and how to help. Use medical identification if your clinician recommends it.

Call emergency services immediately if breathing becomes difficult, wheezing starts, the throat or tongue swells, the voice changes, faintness develops, or allergy symptoms rapidly affect more than one part of the body. Use prescribed adrenaline without delay according to your action plan, then call for emergency help even if you improve.

Do not stand or walk if you feel faint. Lie down with legs raised when possible; if breathing is difficult, sit with legs extended. A pregnant person should lie on the left side. Follow the emergency operator's instructions while awaiting help.

Ask what most likely triggered the reaction, which exposures to avoid, whether you need referral to an allergy specialist, and when testing should occur. Confirm exactly when and how to use adrenaline, how many devices to carry, and whether other medicines belong in your action plan.