Local anaphylaxis: what it may mean

People sometimes use local anaphylaxis to describe swelling, redness, itching or hives near an exposure, such as a sting, medicine or food contact. A reaction limited to the skin is not the same as established whole-body anaphylaxis, yet early symptoms may change. Anaphylaxis can involve the skin, airway, breathing, circulation or digestive system.

Warning symptoms include throat or tongue swelling, hoarse voice, trouble breathing, wheezing, repeated vomiting, dizziness, collapse or sudden confusion. A person can have a severe reaction without every symptom appearing, and the original area does not reliably predict what happens next.

Stop the suspected exposure and stay with the person. If an adrenaline auto-injector has been prescribed for them, use it according to their action plan and call emergency services. Keep them lying down unless breathing is easier sitting, and do not let someone with suspected anaphylaxis walk around. Emergency teams may provide Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment and observation.

Call emergency services immediately for breathing difficulty, wheezing, throat swelling, faintness, collapse, widespread hives with other symptoms, or rapidly increasing swelling. Do not wait to see whether a local reaction settles when airway or circulation symptoms are present. Arrange follow-up after recovery to identify triggers and discuss prevention.

Ask whether the episode fits anaphylaxis, how to use an auto-injector, which triggers to avoid, whether you need Allergy Testing, and when an emergency plan should be renewed.