Does anaphylaxis cause difficulty swallowing?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can develop quickly. Swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat may make swallowing feel difficult, tight, or painful. A hoarse voice, noisy breathing, wheeze, widespread hives, dizziness, vomiting, or collapse can occur at the same time.

Difficulty swallowing also has non-allergic causes. But when it starts suddenly after a possible trigger such as food, a medicine, or an insect sting, it needs to be treated as a possible emergency, particularly if breathing or voice changes are present.

Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if one has been prescribed for you and you have symptoms of anaphylaxis. Call local emergency services straight away. Do not wait to see whether throat symptoms settle, and do not drive yourself to hospital.

Lie down with your legs raised if you can do so comfortably, unless breathing is difficult; in that case, sit with your legs outstretched. If you become unconscious and are not breathing normally, someone nearby should call emergency services and begin resuscitation if trained.

Get emergency help now for trouble swallowing with tongue or throat swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, a tight throat, a changing voice, severe dizziness, fainting, or rapidly spreading hives after a possible allergen exposure. Hospital observation is needed after suspected anaphylaxis, even if symptoms improve.

Ask what may have triggered the reaction, whether you need allergy assessment, and how to use an adrenaline auto-injector correctly. Ask for a written emergency plan and discuss how to avoid suspected triggers while the cause is being clarified.