What an anaphylaxis experience can feel like and what to do

The experience can involve several body systems at once: hives or flushing, swelling of the lips or tongue, wheezing, throat tightness, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, or collapse. Skin changes may be absent, so do not wait for a rash before acting.

Symptoms may begin soon after food, medicine, an insect sting, or another allergen, although the trigger is not always clear. A person may first notice warmth, itching, a sense that something is wrong, abdominal cramps, or swelling. Breathing can then become noisy or difficult, the voice may turn hoarse, and faintness can develop as blood pressure falls.

Anaphylaxis can improve and then return, which is why assessment and observation remain necessary even when adrenaline brings relief. Anxiety can accompany the episode, but breathing difficulty, throat swelling, or collapse must never be dismissed as panic.

Use the prescribed adrenaline auto-injector immediately in the outer thigh, following its device instructions, and call local emergency services. If symptoms continue and a second prescribed injector is available, follow the emergency plan and device guidance for the next dose. Do not delay adrenaline to take an antihistamine; antihistamines do not treat airway narrowing or low blood pressure.

Keep the person lying flat with legs raised when possible. If breathing is difficult, let them sit with legs extended; if unconscious but breathing, place them on their side. Avoid standing or walking. Remove an insect stinger if readily visible, but do not spend time searching for the trigger.

Treat sudden throat tightness, tongue swelling, wheezing, struggling to breathe, a weak or faint feeling, confusion, or collapse after a possible allergen exposure as an emergency. Rapidly worsening symptoms affecting more than one body area also require immediate action. Give adrenaline first when it is available, then contact emergency services.

Hospital assessment is needed after suspected anaphylaxis even if the person feels better. If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation if you can and follow the emergency call handler's instructions.

Ask what most likely triggered the reaction, whether allergy testing is appropriate, and how to reduce another exposure. Confirm how and when to use each prescribed auto-injector, where to carry it, how to check its expiry date, and whether family, school, or colleagues should learn the emergency plan.

Bring the discharge record and details of foods, medicines, stings, exercise, and symptom timing to the appointment. Also ask for a written action plan and guidance on medical identification jewellery.