When to worry about difficulty swallowing with anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a rapidly developing allergic reaction that can affect the throat, tongue and airways. Difficulty swallowing may occur with lip or facial swelling, hoarseness, wheezing, persistent cough, widespread hives, vomiting, dizziness or collapse. A rash may be absent, so do not wait for skin symptoms before responding. The combination of sudden symptoms after a possible trigger and airway or circulation changes requires emergency treatment.

Use the prescribed adrenaline auto-injector immediately if anaphylaxis is suspected, following its instructions, and call emergency services. Tell the person to lie down with legs raised unless breathing is easier sitting; someone who is vomiting should lie on their side. Do not give food, drink or tablets to a person who is struggling to swallow. Stay with them, monitor breathing and use another prescribed injector if directed or if symptoms continue while help is coming.

Difficulty swallowing that begins suddenly after food, medicine, an insect sting or another exposure needs emergency help, particularly with throat swelling, voice change, breathing difficulty, faintness or extreme weakness. Even if symptoms improve after adrenaline, emergency assessment is still needed because symptoms can return. Do not drive yourself or leave the person alone.

After recovery, ask what may have triggered the reaction, whether you need an allergy referral, how to use and replace your auto-injectors, and which written emergency plan your household should follow.