What should you know about non-immunologic anaphylaxis?

Symptoms can begin abruptly and may include flushing, swelling, wheezing, throat tightness, dizziness, collapse, abdominal cramps or vomiting. The absence of a known allergy does not make the event mild. A wheeze can occur in many conditions, but wheezing with sudden swelling or faintness is an emergency pattern.

Call emergency services immediately, stop the suspected exposure if this is safe, and follow any prescribed emergency plan. If an adrenaline auto-injector has been prescribed, use it as instructed. Lie down with legs raised unless breathing is easier sitting, and do not leave the person alone. Hospital observation is needed because symptoms can return.

Any sudden breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, confusion or collapse warrants emergency treatment. After recovery, arrange specialist review to document the episode, examine possible medicine or physical triggers and decide whether an emergency kit or written plan is needed.

Ask what may have triggered the reaction, which medicines or activities should be avoided, whether allergy testing is useful and how family or colleagues should respond if symptoms recur.