What should you know about systemic anaphylaxis?

Symptoms can begin soon after exposure to a trigger such as a food, medicine or insect venom. Swelling of the lips or tongue, throat tightness, trouble breathing, Wheezing, widespread hives, faintness, vomiting or sudden collapse can occur. Skin symptoms may be absent, so a serious breathing or circulation problem still needs an emergency response.

Food Allergy is one possible cause, but the trigger is not always known at the first episode. The reaction can worsen quickly because chemicals released during the immune response affect the airways and blood vessels.

Use the person’s prescribed adrenaline auto-injector immediately if anaphylaxis is suspected, call emergency services and state that it is an allergic emergency. Keep the person lying down with legs raised when possible; allow someone struggling to breathe to sit with legs extended. Do not let them stand or walk, and do not give food or drink if swallowing is difficult.

If symptoms persist or return and another prescribed injector is available, follow the emergency plan. Stay with the person until help arrives. Hospital care may include Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment and observation.

Call emergency services immediately for throat or tongue swelling, breathing difficulty, Wheezing, faintness, sudden confusion, collapse or a combination of symptoms after a possible allergen. Do not wait for a rash to appear or for an antihistamine to work; antihistamines do not replace emergency treatment for airway or circulation problems.

Ask what trigger is suspected, how to use and carry your injector, when a second dose may be needed, which medicines or foods to avoid, whether Allergy Testing is useful, and how family or colleagues should respond.