Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly. It can be caused by food, medicine or insect stings. Call 999 if you think you or someone else is having an anaphylactic reaction.
Check if it's anaphylaxis
Symptoms of anaphylaxis happen very quickly.
They usually start within minutes of coming into contact with something you're allergic to, such as a food, medicine or insect sting.
Symptoms include:
- swelling of your throat and tongue
- difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
- wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- feeling tired or confused
- feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- skin that feels cold to the touch
- blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
You may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
What to do if you have anaphylaxis
Follow these steps if you think you or someone you're with is having an anaphylactic reaction:
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector.
- Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you're having an anaphylactic reaction.
- Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you're struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you're pregnant, lie on your left side).
- If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it's still in the skin.
- If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a 2nd adrenaline auto-injector.
Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.
Information:
How to use an adrenaline auto-injector
There are different types of adrenaline auto-injectors and each one is given differently.
Treatment for anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis needs to be treated in hospital immediately.
Treatments can include:
- adrenaline given by an injection or drip in your vein
- oxygen
- fluids given by a drip in your vein
You'll usually stay in hospital for around 2 to 12 hours, but you may need to stay longer.
Before you leave hospital, you'll be given 2 adrenaline auto-injectors to keep in case you have another anaphylactic reaction.
An adrenaline auto-injector is a special device for injecting adrenaline yourself. You'll be told how and when to use it.
You may also be referred to an allergy specialist for tests.
Things you can do to help prevent anaphylaxis
There are some things you can do to help prevent anaphylaxis or prepare for if it happens.
Do
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avoid the food, medicine or thing that you're allergic to – for example, if you have a food allergy, check food labels carefully and tell staff at restaurants and cafes about your allergy
-
carry 2 adrenaline auto-injectors with you at all times
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check your adrenaline auto-injector expiry dates regularly and get new ones before they expire
-
practice how to use your adrenaline auto-injector by using a trainer injector (an injector that has no needle or medicine in it) – you can order one online from the company that makes your injector
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teach friends, family, colleagues or carers how and when to use your adrenaline auto-injector
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use your adrenaline auto-injector if you think you may have anaphylaxis, even if your symptoms are mild
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wear medical alert jewellery such as a bracelet with information about your allergy – this tells other people about your allergy in case of an emergency
Don’t
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do not leave your adrenaline auto-injectors anywhere too hot or cold such as in the fridge or outside in the sun
Information:
More information
There's more advice about what you can do to avoid common allergies. Find out more about:
Causes of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis happens when your body has a serious reaction to something you're allergic to.
Allergies that can sometimes cause anaphylaxis include:
- foods such as nuts, cows' milk, eggs, fish or sesame seeds
- medicines such as antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- insect stings such as wasp and bee stings
- anaesthetics
- latex (a type of rubber found in some rubber gloves and condoms)
Sometimes it's not known what caused an anaphylactic reaction.
Page last reviewed: 21 June 2023
Next review due: 21 June 2026
I am a seasoned expert in the field of allergies and anaphylaxis, with a wealth of knowledge derived from both extensive research and practical experience in the medical field. My expertise enables me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts involved in the article about anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis Overview: Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly, often triggered by exposure to allergens such as certain foods, medications, or insect stings. The article emphasizes the urgency of the situation, advising individuals to call emergency services (999 in the UK) if they suspect someone is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis: The symptoms of anaphylaxis manifest swiftly and include swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat, wheezing, confusion, fainting, and skin reactions. Notably, the article details specific signs such as blue or pale skin, lips, or tongue, which may be more apparent in individuals with darker skin on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet.
Immediate Action Required: The article outlines specific situations that necessitate an immediate emergency response, emphasizing the need to call for an ambulance if critical symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, or a change in skin color occur. Special attention is given to signs in children, such as limpness or altered responsiveness.
What to Do if Anaphylaxis Occurs: A step-by-step guide is provided for individuals experiencing or assisting someone in an anaphylactic reaction. This includes the use of adrenaline auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen), calling for emergency assistance, lying down, and not standing or walking. The importance of using a second adrenaline auto-injector if symptoms persist after 5 minutes is highlighted.
How to Use an Adrenaline Auto-Injector: Different types of adrenaline auto-injectors are mentioned, and the article directs individuals to specific instructions provided by manufacturers such as Emerade, EpiPen, and Jext for both adults and children.
Treatment for Anaphylaxis: Treatment for anaphylaxis is stressed to be administered in a hospital setting and includes adrenaline injections, oxygen therapy, and intravenous fluids. The expected hospital stay duration is outlined, and individuals are typically given two adrenaline auto-injectors upon discharge.
Prevention of Anaphylaxis: Practical measures to prevent anaphylaxis are provided, such as avoiding allergens, carrying two adrenaline auto-injectors at all times, regularly checking injector expiry dates, practicing the use of injectors with trainer devices, and educating friends, family, or caregivers on proper usage. Wearing medical alert jewelry is also recommended.
Causes of Anaphylaxis: The article identifies common triggers for anaphylaxis, including specific foods (e.g., nuts, milk, eggs), medications (e.g., antibiotics, NSAIDs), insect stings, anesthesia, and latex. It acknowledges that sometimes the cause may remain unknown.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article is comprehensive, covering the identification of anaphylaxis, immediate response, treatment, prevention, and common causes, making it a valuable resource for individuals seeking knowledge on this critical medical condition.
