What should you know about moderate anaphylaxis symptoms?

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that may involve more than one body system. Skin changes can include hives, flushing, itching, or swelling of the lips and face. Breathing symptoms include cough, a tight throat, noisy breathing, or wheezing. Gut symptoms may include cramping or vomiting, while dizziness, faintness, pale skin, or unusual weakness can signal circulation problems.

A food allergy is one possible trigger, but medicines, insect stings, latex, and other exposures can also cause anaphylaxis. A rash does not need to be present, and a reaction can progress even if the first symptoms appear manageable.

Use the person’s prescribed adrenaline auto-injector immediately if anaphylaxis is suspected, following its instructions, and call emergency services. Lay the person flat with legs raised if comfortable; allow someone struggling to breathe to sit with legs extended. Do not let them stand or walk. If symptoms continue or return and another injector is available, follow the emergency plan. Stay with the person and arrange hospital assessment.

Treat breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, or rapidly spreading symptoms as an emergency. Call emergency services even if the person improves after adrenaline, because symptoms can recur and further observation or treatment may be needed. Do not rely on an antihistamine alone when breathing or circulation is affected.

Ask what triggered the reaction, whether allergy testing is appropriate, and how to use an adrenaline injector. Request a written emergency plan, advice on avoiding the suspected trigger, and guidance for family, school, or workplace contacts.