What are the treatment options for anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis can cause sudden swelling, breathing difficulty, wheezing, throat tightness, widespread hives, vomiting, dizziness or collapse. Adrenaline is the first-line emergency medicine and is given into the outer thigh, commonly through an auto-injector. Emergency clinicians assess breathing, circulation and response to treatment. Oxygen, fluids and additional medicines may be used when needed, but they do not replace adrenaline.

Use your prescribed adrenaline auto-injector immediately when anaphylaxis is suspected, call emergency services, and lie down with your legs raised unless breathing is easier sitting. Do not stand or walk suddenly. A second injector may be needed if symptoms continue or return, according to the emergency plan. Even if symptoms improve, hospital assessment is needed because the reaction can recur after initial recovery. Afterward, an allergy specialist may review the suspected trigger, prescribe injectors and teach their use.

Call emergency services immediately for breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, or widespread symptoms after possible allergen exposure. Treat these signs as an emergency rather than waiting for a rash to appear. Anyone who has used adrenaline for a suspected reaction should receive urgent medical assessment, even if they feel well afterward.

Ask which triggers to avoid, how and when to use each auto-injector, whether family or colleagues need training, what to include in an emergency plan, and whether allergy testing is appropriate.