Anaphylactic shock from a food allergy: what to know

Do not wait to see whether the reaction settles. Use the person's prescribed adrenaline auto-injector promptly, call the local emergency number, and follow the emergency operator's instructions.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can begin soon after eating or touching a trigger. It may cause throat or tongue swelling, hoarse voice, wheezing, persistent cough, breathing difficulty, dizziness, collapse, or pale and clammy skin. Hives, flushing, vomiting, or abdominal pain may also occur, but a rash is not required.

The word shock describes dangerously impaired blood circulation. A food-allergy reaction can involve breathing and circulation at the same time, so sudden collapse or severe breathing trouble after possible food exposure needs emergency action.

Give the prescribed adrenaline auto-injector into the outer thigh as its instructions show; it can usually be given through clothing. Note the time, summon emergency help, and use another prescribed device if symptoms persist or return and the person's action plan or emergency operator directs this.

Lay the person flat with legs raised if tolerated. If breathing is difficult, they may sit with legs extended; if unconscious but breathing, place them on their side. A pregnant person should lie on their left side. Do not let the person stand or walk. Begin CPR if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Do not rely on antihistamines, food, drink, or an inhaler in place of adrenaline. Remove any remaining food from the mouth without delaying treatment, and keep the used injector for the ambulance team.

Call for emergency medical care when there is trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, a sudden hoarse voice, collapse, confusion, marked dizziness, or rapidly worsening symptoms after possible food exposure. Also treat symptoms affecting more than one body system after exposure as urgent, such as hives together with vomiting or breathing changes.

Hospital assessment is still necessary after adrenaline seems to work because symptoms can return and monitoring or further treatment may be needed. Do not drive yourself if you are affected.

Ask which foods and cross-contact situations to avoid, whether allergy testing is appropriate, how many auto-injectors to carry, where to store them in the UAE climate, and when they expire. Request a written allergy action plan and hands-on practice with a trainer device.

Discuss label reading, meals prepared outside the home, school or workplace arrangements, travel, and whether family members or colleagues should learn to recognise anaphylaxis and use the injector.