Can food allergy cause anaphylaxis?

After exposure to a trigger food, the immune system can release chemicals throughout the body. Warning signs may include swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheezing, trouble breathing, a hoarse voice, widespread hives, repeated vomiting, dizziness or collapse. Skin symptoms may be absent, so breathing or circulation changes after eating still need emergency attention. Reactions can begin quickly and may worsen, even when early symptoms seem limited.

If anaphylaxis is suspected, use the person’s adrenaline auto-injector immediately if available, following its instructions, and call emergency services. Tell the dispatcher that anaphylaxis is suspected. Have the person lie down with legs raised if comfortable; allow someone struggling to breathe to sit with legs extended. Do not let them stand or walk. If symptoms do not improve and another prescribed injector is available, follow emergency guidance. Stay with the person and provide responders with the food and medicine details.

Anaphylaxis always requires emergency care, even if symptoms improve after adrenaline, because symptoms can return. After recovery, arrange specialist assessment to identify triggers and create an avoidance and emergency action plan. Any new throat swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness or collapse after eating warrants immediate action.

Ask how to recognise your personal warning signs, when to use each injector, how to store and replace it, and whether family, school or workplace contacts need training. Discuss allergy testing and a written emergency plan.