Emergency medicine for anaphylaxis

An auto-injector delivers adrenaline into the outer thigh. It acts on dangerous airway swelling, breathing difficulty, and low blood pressure; antihistamines cannot replace it for these problems.

Adrenaline tightens blood vessels to support blood pressure, relaxes muscles around the airways, and helps reduce swelling. These effects address the life-threatening features of anaphylaxis rather than only easing an itchy rash.

A person with anaphylaxis may have throat or tongue swelling, hoarse or noisy breathing, wheezing, persistent coughing, faintness, confusion, or collapse. Skin signs can occur, but their absence does not rule out a severe reaction.

Remove the safety mechanism and press the device firmly against the outer mid-thigh, following its printed instructions; many devices can be used through clothing. Note the time, call UAE emergency services, and state that anaphylaxis is suspected.

Keep the person flat with legs raised if they can breathe comfortably, or allow a supported seated position with legs extended when breathing is difficult. A pregnant person should lie on the left side. If severe symptoms persist, follow the individual action plan or emergency dispatcher’s instructions about using another available injector.

Use emergency medicine and call for help when there are breathing or circulation symptoms, sudden tongue or throat swelling, or rapidly developing symptoms across different body systems after a likely exposure. Do not wait for every possible sign to appear.

Hospital assessment is required even after clear improvement. Clinicians can provide oxygen, fluids, repeated adrenaline, airway support, and monitoring if symptoms continue or return.

Ask a clinician or pharmacist to watch you practise with a trainer device and explain where your prescribed injectors should be kept. Confirm how to check expiry dates, when a further dose is indicated, and how family, school, or workplace contacts should respond.