Food allergy anaphylaxis emergency care plan

Anaphylaxis can affect the airway, breathing, circulation, skin, and digestion. Warning signs may include throat tightness, a hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling, widespread hives, repeated vomiting, marked weakness, or collapse. Symptoms can change quickly, and skin symptoms may be absent. A written plan should be shared with family, school, childcare, workplace contacts, and anyone who prepares food. It should state the person’s known triggers and how to recognise a serious reaction.

Ask a clinician which prescribed emergency medicine to carry, where to keep it, and how to check its expiry. Practise using a trainer device if one is supplied. If a serious reaction starts, follow the person’s plan, use prescribed emergency medicine as directed, call emergency services, and say that anaphylaxis is suspected. Keep the person lying down unless breathing is easier sitting, and do not let them stand or walk. Stay with them and follow dispatcher instructions.

Treat breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, or rapidly worsening symptoms after food as an emergency. Call emergency services even if the person improves after medicine, because symptoms can return and further observation may be needed. Do not rely on an antihistamine alone for airway or circulation symptoms. For a mild, local symptom such as an itchy throat without progression, contact a clinician for personalised advice and a reviewed plan.

Which symptoms mean I should use my emergency medicine? How many devices should I carry? Who should be trained to help my child or me? What should schools, restaurants, and relatives know? When should the plan be updated?