What should you know about common cause of anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction affecting several body systems. Food allergy is a frequent trigger; peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, and other foods can be involved. A medicine, bee or wasp sting, or contact with latex may also set off a reaction. Symptoms can begin quickly after exposure and may include hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, wheezing, throat tightness, dizziness, vomiting, or collapse. A previous mild reaction does not reliably predict how a later reaction will behave.

Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if one has been prescribed, following its instructions, and call emergency services. Lay the person down with legs raised if possible; allow someone who is struggling to breathe to sit with legs extended. Do not let them stand or walk. If symptoms continue or return and a second injector is available, use it as directed. Emergency assessment is still needed after adrenaline because symptoms can recur.

Treat sudden breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, confusion, or collapse after a possible allergen exposure as an emergency. Wheezing can be part of anaphylaxis, especially when it appears with skin, stomach, or circulation symptoms. Do not wait for a rash, and do not drive the affected person yourself if they are becoming unwell.

Ask which triggers fit your history, whether you need an adrenaline auto-injector, how to use it, and how to make an avoidance plan. Ask whether allergy testing is appropriate and which family members or carers should learn the emergency steps.