Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly. It can be caused by food, medicine or insect stings. 

Call 112 / 911 / 999 (or another number for a country you're in) 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.

• If the person is wearing ifTrouble Item you can check the indicated allergies on the person's page by scanning QR code on the Item.

Symptoms include:

• swelling of a throat and tongue

• difficulty breathing or breathing very fast

• difficulty swallowing, tightness in a 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 the person has brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet

It can also cause a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.

What to do if you have anaphylaxis

1. Use an adrenaline auto-injector if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector.

2. Call 112 / 911 / 999 (or another number for a country you're in) for an ambulance and say that you think you're having an anaphylactic reaction.

3. 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).

4. If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it's still in the skin.

5. 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.

Treatment for anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis needs to be treated in hospital immediately.

Treatments can include

1. adrenaline given by an injection or drip in your vein

2. oxygen

3. fluids given by a drip in your vein

Things you can do to help prevent anaphylaxis

Do:

1. 1. 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

   2. Carry 2 adrenaline auto-injectors with you at all times

   3. Check your adrenaline auto-injector expiry dates regularly and get new ones before they expire

   4. 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

   5. Teach friends, family, colleagues or carers how and when to use your adrenaline auto-injector

   6. Use your adrenaline auto-injector if you think you may have anaphylaxis, even if your symptoms are mild

   7. 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:

Do not leave your adrenaline auto-injectors anywhere too hot or cold such as in the fridge or outside in the sun

Source:  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/ 

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