When is anaphylaxis emergency treatment recommended for food allergy?

A severe allergic reaction can involve the skin, mouth, airway, lungs, stomach, or circulation. Warning signs include swelling of the tongue or throat, wheezing, a hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, marked dizziness, confusion, or fainting. A skin rash may be present, but a dangerous reaction can occur without obvious skin changes. Treat suspected anaphylaxis as an emergency rather than waiting to see whether symptoms settle.

Use the prescribed adrenaline auto-injector without delay if anaphylaxis is suspected, following its instructions. Call emergency services, say that anaphylaxis is suspected, and state the food exposure if known. Keep the person lying down with legs raised unless breathing is easier sitting up; do not let them stand or walk. A second injector may be needed if symptoms continue and medical help has not arrived, according to the person’s emergency plan.

Emergency assessment is required after adrenaline because symptoms can return or progress even when the person appears better. Do not rely on an antihistamine alone for breathing or circulation symptoms. After recovery, arrange an allergy review to identify triggers, renew the emergency plan, and check that the person and close contacts know how to use the injector.

Ask which symptoms should trigger adrenaline, whether you need more than one injector, how to store and check it, and how family members, school staff, or colleagues should respond during an emergency.