What should you know about tick anaphylaxis?

A severe allergic reaction may cause widespread hives, flushing, swelling of the lips or tongue, throat tightness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, faintness, vomiting, or sudden weakness. Symptoms can progress quickly and may occur without a large skin reaction. A tick bite can also cause a local itchy lump that is not anaphylaxis, so the key concern is breathing difficulty, airway swelling, or signs of poor circulation. Food allergy and other allergies are separate possible triggers.

Call emergency services at once if anaphylaxis is suspected. If the person has a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector, use it according to its instructions and tell emergency services. Lay them down with legs raised if comfortable; allow someone struggling to breathe to sit with legs extended. Do not let them stand or walk suddenly. If the tick is still attached, emergency symptoms take priority; removal can be addressed safely once help is on the way.

Emergency care is needed for wheezing, throat or tongue swelling, trouble breathing, faintness, confusion, or rapidly spreading symptoms. Symptoms can return after initial improvement, so medical observation is required. After recovery, an allergy specialist may review the event, medicines, possible triggers, and whether allergy testing or an emergency action plan is appropriate.

Ask how to recognise your earliest warning signs, when and how to use an auto-injector, whether you need a second device, and how to document the suspected trigger. Ask what follow-up testing and avoidance advice apply to future bites.