What does shortness of breath feel like with anaphylaxis?

Shortness of Breath is a very common presentation of Anaphylaxis. The person may feel their throat closing, struggle to speak, cough repeatedly, wheeze, or develop a hoarse voice. Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat, widespread itching or hives, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, or collapse may occur at the same time. Anaphylaxis can worsen quickly after a food, medicine, sting, or other trigger, and skin changes are not required for a severe reaction.

Use the person’s adrenaline auto-injector straight away if anaphylaxis is suspected, following its instructions, and call emergency services. Lay them flat with legs raised unless breathing is easier sitting up; let someone who is vomiting lie on their side. Do not let them stand or walk. If symptoms continue and a second injector is available, follow the emergency advice given with it. Do not rely on antihistamines for breathing difficulty.

Breathing difficulty after a possible allergen is an emergency, particularly with throat or tongue swelling, wheeze, faintness, collapse, or rapidly spreading symptoms. Emergency assessment is needed even if the person improves after adrenaline, because symptoms can return. Stay with them, monitor breathing, and begin resuscitation if they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally.

Ask the clinician what may have triggered the reaction, how to use and carry auto-injectors, whether an allergy referral is needed, and how to reduce exposure to the suspected trigger. Record the timing, foods, medicines, stings, symptoms, and treatment given so the care team can assess the event.