What should you know about anaphylaxis warning signs?

Anaphylaxis often develops quickly and may involve several parts of the body. Airway clues include tongue or throat swelling, trouble swallowing and a hoarse voice. Breathing signs include wheezing, persistent coughing, noisy breathing or struggling for breath. Circulation problems can appear as dizziness, pale or clammy skin, confusion, unusual drowsiness, fainting or collapse.

Hives, flushing or swelling can support recognition, while repeated vomiting or severe cramping may accompany a serious reaction. Skin changes are not required. In someone with a known allergy, sudden severe symptoms after contact with their trigger should be treated according to their emergency plan.

Give the person’s prescribed adrenaline auto-injector as soon as anaphylaxis is suspected, then call emergency services and state that this may be anaphylaxis. Follow the device label and the person’s written allergy plan. If symptoms are ongoing and that plan advises a further dose, use another available auto-injector as directed.

Help the person lie flat and raise their legs if they can tolerate it. Someone struggling to breathe may be more comfortable sitting with legs outstretched, and an unconscious person who is breathing should be placed on their side. Do not let them suddenly stand, walk or remain alone. Bring the suspected food, medicine packaging or insect details for clinicians if readily available.

Call emergency services immediately for throat tightness, voice change, difficult or noisy breathing, wheezing, blue or grey colour, confusion, collapse, or rapidly worsening symptoms after a possible trigger. Do this even if adrenaline improves the reaction. Medical teams need to assess the response and watch for symptoms returning; antihistamines do not replace adrenaline for airway, breathing or circulation problems.

Discuss the likely trigger, whether allergy testing is appropriate, and exactly when your personal plan says to inject adrenaline. Ask a clinician to check your technique and the device expiry date. Arrange for close contacts to learn the warning signs, where your medicine is carried and how they should summon help if you cannot treat yourself.