Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that is life threatening. It can happen very quickly, or it can take up to 2 hours to develop.
It can be caused by food, medicine, latex or insect stings.
Emergency action required: Call 999 or 112 if:
- you think you or someone else is having an anaphylactic reaction
Symptoms of anaphylaxis
Symptoms usually start when you come into contact with something you're allergic to, such as a food, medicine or insect sting.
It can start with mild symptoms and then become more severe.
Symptoms include:
- your throat and tongue swelling
- 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
- feeling like your heart is racing, increased heart rate or palpitations
- nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhoea
- a feeling of doom or dread
You may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.
Emergency action required: Call 999 or 112 if:
- your 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 baby 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 is unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) 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 if you have one - instructions are included on the side of the injector.
- Call 112 or 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you're having anaphylaxis.
- Lie down - if you are have problems breathing, 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 get worse or do not improve in 5 minutes, use a second adrenaline auto-injector.
Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.
What to do if a child has anaphylaxis
Distract them and keep them calm.
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector if they have one - instructions are included on the side of the injector.
- Call 112 or 999 for an ambulance and say that you think the child is having anaphylaxis.
- Keep the child lying down. If the child is small enough, hold them in your arms.
- If they have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it's still in the skin.
- If their symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, or if they get worse, use a second adrenaline auto-injector.
How to use an adrenaline auto-injector
An adrenaline auto-injector is a special device for injecting adrenaline yourself.
Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will explain how and when to use it. They will do this each time you are prescribed one.
There are different types of adrenaline auto-injectors and each one is given differently.
Three common ones are:
- Anapen instructions - anapen.ie
- EpiPen instructions - epipen.ie
- Jext instructions - patients.jext.co.uk
You can watch videos on how to use these injectors on their websites.
Ask your GP or pharmacist for information on using an injector that has no needle or medicine in it. You can get a trainer pen for EpiPen or Jext. Your pharmacist can get a trainer pen for Anapen.
If your child has an allergy, let them practice using the trainer pen.
Ask your pharmacist about how to get rid of expired adrenaline auto-injectors safely.
Treatment for anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis needs to be treated in hospital immediately. You'll usually stay in hospital for around 2 to 12 hours, but you may need to stay longer.
Treatments can include:
- adrenaline given by an injection or drip in your vein
- oxygen
- fluids given by a drip in your vein
The hospital will give you a prescription for 2 adrenaline auto-injectors. This is in case you have another anaphylactic reaction.
Contact your allergist or immunologist after treatment. If you have never seen an allergist or immunologist, get a referral through your doctor.
Things you can do to help prevent or prepare for anaphylaxis
There are some things you can do to help prevent anaphylaxis or prepare for, in case it happens.
Do
-
Carry 2 adrenaline auto-injectors with you at all times.
-
If you have a food allergy, check food labels carefully and tell staff at restaurants and cafes about your allergy.
-
Check your adrenaline auto-injector expiry dates often and get new ones before they expire.
-
Ask your GP or pharmacist for information on using an injector that has no needle or medicine in it.
-
Teach friends, family, colleagues or carers how and when to use your adrenaline auto-injector.
-
Make sure anyone who looks after your child can use an adrenaline pen.
-
Share your child's allergy action plan with their school, creche and sports camps.
-
Use your adrenaline pen even if your symptoms are mild or you are not sure you have anaphylaxis.
-
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.
-
Bring enough adrenaline auto-injectors with you when you are travelling.
Don't
-
Do not leave your adrenaline auto-injectors anywhere too hot or cold such as in the fridge or in the car.
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
- medicines such as antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin
- insect stings, such as wasp and bee stings
- latex (a type of rubber found in some rubber gloves, plasters and condoms)
Some people with a condition called mastocytosis can have anaphylaxis without any trigger.