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Symptoms of anaphylaxis

If someone is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it should be treated as a medical emergency:

  • right_arrow_orange_iconAIRWAY – swelling in the throat, tongue or upper airways, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing
  • right_arrow_orange_iconBREATHING – sudden onset wheezing, breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, persistent cough
  • right_arrow_orange_iconCIRCULATION – dizziness, feeling faint, sudden sleepiness, confusion, pale clammy skin, loss of consciousness or collapse

Get emergency help: steps to follow

In the event of a serious allergic reaction, it’s crucial to act quickly and follow these steps

Get in position

If the person is conscious, lie them flat with their legs raised to assist in blood flow to the heart and vital organs. 

 

If they’re having difficulty breathing, they can be propped up with legs stretched out straight.

Give adrenaline immediately

If you or the person affected has been prescribed adrenaline (such as EpiPen®, Jext® or EURneffy®), use it straight away – adrenaline is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.

 

Make a note of the time you give the first dose of adrenaline. If symptoms don’t improve after five minutes, or symptoms get worse, give a second dose. 

Call 999 

Call emergency services immediately after using your first dose of adrenaline and tell the operator it is “anaphylaxis” (ana-fil-ax-is).

 

Give your exact location (What3Words can help if you are outside). 

Do not move

Stay in this position until help arrives. Do not stand up, walk or run, even if you start to feel better. 

 

Movement can make symptoms worse and cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.  

 

Stay with them until emergency services arrive. 

Stay safe while waiting

REMEMBER – while waiting for the ambulance, stay where you are. Do not stand up, walk or run, even if you start to feel better.

Get in position

If you have any symptoms of anaphylaxis, stay where you are. You should lie flat with your legs raised to help blood flow back to your heart and vital organs.

If you’re having difficulty breathing, you can be propped up with legs stretched out straight. 

You must avoid any sudden change in posture. Movement can make symptoms worse and cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.  

Use your adrenaline

Anaphylaxis can come on very quickly.  As soon as you suspect anaphylaxis you must use your adrenaline without delay.

Don’t wait to see how bad it is, or whether it will get worse. If in doubt, use your adrenaline.

It’s important to know exactly how and when to use your prescribed adrenaline.  Healthcare professionals can show you how to use it, and there are also resources such as practice devices and videos on manufacturer websites. 

Options currently available on prescription in the UK include: 

  • Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) – such as EpiPen and Jext. 
  • Intranasal adrenaline – EURneffy, a needle-free nasal spray. 

You must carry two in-date forms of prescribed adrenaline at all times as a second dose may be needed if symptoms do not improve after five minutes or get worse.  

Specific instructions vary by brand – always follow the instructions on your device.