What should you know about cardiac anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis can cause swelling of the airway, breathing difficulty, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. The heart may then beat rapidly or irregularly as the body struggles to maintain circulation. Chest discomfort, faintness, clammy skin, confusion, or collapse can accompany these changes. A person may also develop hives, facial swelling, vomiting, or wheezing. Cardiac symptoms can occur even when skin symptoms are mild or absent, so do not wait for a rash before treating a suspected severe allergic reaction.

Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if one has been prescribed and follow its instructions. Call emergency services, state that anaphylaxis is suspected, and keep the person lying down with legs raised when possible. If breathing is difficult, allow a position that makes breathing easier, but do not let the person stand or walk. A second injector may be needed if symptoms do not improve and emergency guidance advises it. Do not give food or drink to someone who is drowsy or having trouble swallowing.

Seek emergency help immediately for trouble breathing, wheezing, throat or tongue swelling, fainting, severe dizziness, blue or grey lips, new chest discomfort, or a weak or very fast pulse after a possible allergen exposure. These signs can worsen quickly. Even if symptoms settle after adrenaline, emergency assessment is still needed because symptoms can return and the heart or airway may need monitoring.

Ask which triggers should be avoided, whether you need an adrenaline injector, how to use it, and when to carry more than one. Ask how family members, colleagues, or school staff should respond, and whether Allergy Testing could help identify a trigger.