What should you know about anaphylaxis?

Possible signs include sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat; trouble breathing; a tight throat or voice change; wheezing; widespread itchy hives or flushing; dizziness, collapse, stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Symptoms can begin soon after a food, medicine, insect sting, or other trigger, but skin symptoms are not always present.

Food Allergy is one possible cause, although a clinician may need to assess other triggers. Anaphylaxis can worsen quickly, so do not wait to see whether symptoms settle or rely on an antihistamine alone when breathing or circulation is affected.

Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if one has been prescribed and anaphylaxis is suspected. Call emergency services, state that anaphylaxis is suspected, and follow the dispatcher's instructions. Lie the person flat with legs raised if tolerated; keep them sitting only if breathing is easier that way, and place an unconscious breathing person on their side.

Do not let the person stand or walk. If symptoms continue and another prescribed injector is available, follow the emergency plan. Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment must be followed by medical observation because symptoms can return after initial improvement.

Call emergency services for sudden breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, or a combination of symptoms affecting more than one body system. Use the injector before travelling if it is available. Anyone treated for suspected anaphylaxis needs urgent medical assessment, even if they feel better afterward.

What trigger is most likely? Should I carry an adrenaline auto-injector? Can you show me how and when to use it? Who should know about my emergency plan? Do I need Allergy Testing, and which medicines or foods should I avoid while this is assessed?