What should you know about features of anaphylaxis?

Features can begin suddenly after food, medicine, an insect sting, or another trigger. Look for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; wheezing or noisy breathing; a tight throat; difficulty breathing; widespread itchy hives; flushing; dizziness; confusion; fainting; stomach pain; or repeated vomiting. Skin changes may be absent, so do not wait for a rash.

Symptoms can worsen quickly because several body systems may be involved at once. Food Allergy is one possible trigger, but a reaction can occur for other reasons too. Wheezing with facial swelling, voice change, or light-headedness should be treated as an emergency.

Call emergency services immediately and state that anaphylaxis is suspected. If the person has a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector, use it as directed without delay. Help them lie down with legs raised unless breathing is easier sitting up; keep them still and do not let them walk. If they are vomiting, place them on their side.

Stay with the person, monitor breathing, and follow emergency-dispatch instructions. A second prescribed injector may be needed if symptoms do not improve or return, according to the person’s action plan. Do not rely on antihistamines for breathing or circulation problems.

Every suspected episode needs emergency assessment, even if symptoms improve after adrenaline. Symptoms can return, and monitoring may be needed. Emergency clinicians may provide Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment and observe breathing and circulation. Arrange follow-up for trigger assessment and a personal emergency plan; Allergy Testing may be considered later.

Ask what probably triggered the reaction, how and when to use an auto-injector, whether you need more than one device, and how to teach family or colleagues. Ask how to avoid the suspected trigger and what to do if symptoms recur.