Clinical signs of anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can progress quickly. It may affect the airway, breathing and circulation, with features such as a tight throat, hoarse voice, swollen lips or tongue, Wheezing, rapid breathing, dizziness, pale clammy skin or collapse. Skin signs may include hives, flushing or itching, while abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhoea can occur. A rash is not required, so a sudden breathing or circulation problem after a likely trigger still needs emergency action. Food Allergy is one possible cause, but medicines, insect stings and other exposures can also trigger it.

Use an adrenaline auto-injector straight away if one has been prescribed for the person, following its instructions, and call emergency services. Tell the dispatcher that anaphylaxis is suspected. Lay the person flat with legs raised if tolerated; allow them to sit with legs extended if breathing is difficult, and place an unconscious person on their side. Do not let them stand or walk. If symptoms do not improve and another injector is available, follow the emergency plan. An antihistamine does not replace adrenaline for airway or circulation problems.

Treat suspected anaphylaxis as an emergency whenever breathing, throat, circulation or consciousness is affected, or when symptoms involve more than one body system after a possible trigger. Call for help even if the person starts to improve, because symptoms can return. If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, begin resuscitation if you are trained and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

After recovery, ask what the likely trigger was, whether Allergy Testing is appropriate, how to use and replace your auto-injector, what to carry, and how to make an emergency avoidance plan.