Do you need a referral for anaphylaxis emergency treatment?

Anaphylaxis is a rapidly developing, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Emergency clinicians assess breathing, circulation, swelling and other symptoms and provide treatment without waiting for a general-practice appointment or referral letter. After recovery, follow-up may help identify triggers, review an adrenaline auto-injector plan and consider allergy-and-immunology assessment.

If anaphylaxis may be happening, use your prescribed adrenaline auto-injector according to its instructions, call emergency services, and tell them you suspect anaphylaxis. Lie down with legs raised if comfortable, or sit up slowly if breathing is difficult; avoid standing or walking. If symptoms do not improve and another prescribed dose is available, follow emergency guidance. Stay with the person until help arrives.

Seek emergency help immediately for sudden throat, tongue or facial swelling, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness, collapse, or widespread symptoms after a possible trigger. A rash is not required for anaphylaxis. Even if symptoms improve after adrenaline, medical observation is still needed because symptoms can return.

After the emergency, ask what may have triggered the reaction, how to use and replace your auto-injector, whether you need an allergy referral, and how to make an action plan for future exposures.