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Anaphylaxis

Symptoms of anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis usually develops suddenly and gets worse very quickly.

The symptoms include:

  • feeling lightheaded or faint
  • breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing
  • wheezing
  • a fast heartbeat
  • clammy skin
  • confusion and anxiety
  • collapsing or losing consciousness

There may also be other allergy symptoms, including an itchy, raised rash (hives); feeling or being sick; swelling (angioedema) or stomach pain.

What to do if someone has anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. It can be very serious if not treated quickly.

If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis:

  1. Use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one – but make sure you know how to use it correctly first.
  2. Call 999 for an ambulance immediately (even if they start to feel better) – mention that you think the person has anaphylaxis.
  3. Remove any trigger if possible – for example, carefully remove any stinger stuck in the skin.
  4. Lie the person down and raise their legs – unless they're having breathing difficulties and need to sit up to help them breathe. If they're pregnant, lie them down on their left side.
  5. Give another injection after 5 minutes if the symptoms do not improve and a second auto-injector is available.

If you're having an anaphylactic reaction, you can follow these steps yourself if you feel able to.

Triggers of anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the result of the immune system, the body's natural defence system, overreacting to a trigger.

This is often something you're allergic to, but not always.

Common anaphylaxis triggers include:

  • foods – including nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and some fruits
  • medicines – including some antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin
  • insect stings – particularly wasp and bee stings
  • general anaesthetic
  • contrast agents – dyes used in some medical tests to help certain areas of your body show up better on scans
  • latex – a type of rubber found in some rubber gloves and condoms

In some cases, there's no obvious trigger. This is known as idiopathic anaphylaxis.

Preventing anaphylaxis

If you have a serious allergy or have experienced anaphylaxis before, it's important to try to prevent future episodes.

The following can help reduce your risk:

  • identify any triggers – you may be referred to an allergy clinic for allergy tests to check for anything that could trigger anaphylaxis
  • avoid triggers whenever possible – for example, be careful when food shopping or eating out if you have a food allergy
  • carry 2 in-date adrenaline auto-injectors at all times – give yourself an injection whenever you think you may be experiencing anaphylaxis, even if you're not completely sure

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include feeling faint, finding it hard to breathe, a fast heartbeat and feeling anxious.

Anaphylaxis needs to be treated in hospital at soon as possible. Use an adrenaline injector if the person has one and call 999 for an ambulance.

Anaphylaxis is usually caused by an allergic reaction. Common triggers include foods, medicines and insect stings.

You can help prevent anaphylaxis by avoiding any triggers you have and carrying your adrenaline injector at all times.

Related links

Anaphylaxis

Treatment

Prevention

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201 public posts

my husband suffers from anaphylaxis

I have read a lot of helpful articles on anaphylaxis and its threats like these https://relate13.com/can-i-die-in-sleep-from-anaphylaxis/ I am a bit worried.
I have read a lot of helpful articles on anaphylaxis and its threats like these https://relate13.com/can-i-die-in-sleep-from-anaphylaxis/ I am a bit worried.
hamshi profile image
hamshi
in USAnaphylaxis
1 month ago

Warning about Cetrotide?

Did anyone’s clinic warn them about the risk of anaphylaxis taking Cetrotide? I read the data sheet and it says the first dose should be given under close medical supervision due to the risk of life threatening anaphylaxis?! It’s not a small risk either (1/100 to 1/1000).
Did anyone’s clinic warn them about the risk of anaphylaxis taking Cetrotide? I read the data sheet and it says the first dose should be given under close medical supervision due to the risk of life threatening anaphylaxis?! It’s not a small risk either (1/100 to 1/1000).
Purpledoggy profile image
Purpledoggy
in Fertility Network UK
23 days ago

started rucaparib!

No anaphylaxis, so that’s a much better start than my experiences with chemo! Here’s hoping it all continues smoothly - although I’ve been well briefed on likely fatigue, nausea etc
No anaphylaxis, so that’s a much better start than my experiences with chemo! Here’s hoping it all continues smoothly - although I’ve been well briefed on likely fatigue, nausea etc
RainbowC profile image
RainbowC
in My Ovacome
7 months ago
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Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO)

The thing is though, my main symptom relating to it is dysphonia, I don't typically have breathing issues associated with tightness in the throat (unless anaphylaxis!). The tightness for me is fron straining to talk. Does anyone else relate?
The thing is though, my main symptom relating to it is dysphonia, I don't typically have breathing issues associated with tightness in the throat (unless anaphylaxis!). The tightness for me is fron straining to talk. Does anyone else relate?
floating_ profile image
floating_
in Asthma Community Forum
2 months ago

Anaphylaxis from Augmentin (amoxicillin) after pneumonia, no previous penicillin allergy.

Does this mean it wasn't Anaphylaxis if they didn't give Adrenaline?  3) I am very scared that it will happen again now and wondered if you have a new severe penicillin allergy if other things could set off anaphylaxis that haven't previously either?
Does this mean it wasn't Anaphylaxis if they didn't give Adrenaline?  3) I am very scared that it will happen again now and wondered if you have a new severe penicillin allergy if other things could set off anaphylaxis that haven't previously either?
Aquablue80 profile image
Aquablue80
in USAnaphylaxis
8 months ago

Changes In Immune System

I then got sepsis in my lung and given intravenous penicillin and had full blown anaphylaxis. I was put in an induced coma for 5 days. Has anyone else had reactions to medication or anything that you were ok with before?
I then got sepsis in my lung and given intravenous penicillin and had full blown anaphylaxis. I was put in an induced coma for 5 days. Has anyone else had reactions to medication or anything that you were ok with before?
Susaphine profile image
Susaphine
in The UK Mastocytosis Support Group
10 months ago

Cancelled cycle

I've already had a lot of setbacks (2 attempts at myomectomy due to developing anaphylaxis and, as a result, no longer being allowed to have egg collection under anaesthesia, adenomyosis, upcoming polyp removal procedure and needing to correct 0% lactobacillus).
I've already had a lot of setbacks (2 attempts at myomectomy due to developing anaphylaxis and, as a result, no longer being allowed to have egg collection under anaesthesia, adenomyosis, upcoming polyp removal procedure and needing to correct 0% lactobacillus).
Gold00 profile image
Gold00
in Fertility Network UK
3 days ago

Azeltine warning re: effect on kidneys

The warnings stated such was a rare possibility so with my various earlier reactions to medications /sprays [i](Beclomethosone gave me glaucoma/ levoflauxicin gave me adduction of the L foot/ penicillin gives me anaphylaxis)[/i] I am wondering if i should see my GP for further evaluation re: the pain
The warnings stated such was a rare possibility so with my various earlier reactions to medications /sprays [i](Beclomethosone gave me glaucoma/ levoflauxicin gave me adduction of the L foot/ penicillin gives me anaphylaxis)[/i] I am wondering if i should see my GP for further evaluation re: the pain
Kurac profile image
Kurac
in Early CKD Support
11 months ago

Side Effects of Niraparib (ZEJULA)?

These reactions typically resolve without treatment • Hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis: Hypersensitivity is when your body has an exaggerated immune response to a drug. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Thanks in advance.
These reactions typically resolve without treatment • Hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis: Hypersensitivity is when your body has an exaggerated immune response to a drug. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Thanks in advance.
Benkaymel profile image
Benkaymel
in Advanced Prostate Cancer
7 months ago

Anybody had increased long term Hashi's antibodies after Pfizer covid vaccine?

But since Hashis, I react very oddly ie rashes, swelling,breathing,dizzy,weakness, not anaphylaxis, but without a pattern to many things. "Your tweaked, inappropriate responses" as my consultant calls it.
But since Hashis, I react very oddly ie rashes, swelling,breathing,dizzy,weakness, not anaphylaxis, but without a pattern to many things. "Your tweaked, inappropriate responses" as my consultant calls it.
Gillybean1 profile image
Gillybean1
in Thyroid UK
6 months ago

Told sepsis, not on discharge notes

I’m worried that my gp and my employer won’t realise how much I’m still struggling to function after 4 days in hospital with the added complication of unexpected penicillin anaphylaxis. I’ve been home for 4 days but I’m still struggling to do the simplest of tasks 😢
I’m worried that my gp and my employer won’t realise how much I’m still struggling to function after 4 days in hospital with the added complication of unexpected penicillin anaphylaxis. I’ve been home for 4 days but I’m still struggling to do the simplest of tasks 😢
Noodles43 profile image
Noodles43
in NRAS
1 year ago

Immunologist referral

Then 3 weeks ago I had ct with contrast and had steroids and antihistamines as cover pre (I had anaphylaxis to contrast when I was 14). Anyway the day after the scan I was covered in red glow and my face was swollen. Also a slight wheeze. This took a week to fade.
Then 3 weeks ago I had ct with contrast and had steroids and antihistamines as cover pre (I had anaphylaxis to contrast when I was 14). Anyway the day after the scan I was covered in red glow and my face was swollen. Also a slight wheeze. This took a week to fade.
Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47
in PBC Foundation
10 months ago

Starting Venetoclax on Wednesday

My concerns are rising, and perhaps needlessly, but I have gone through such severe anaphylaxis in the last few years (nearly dying) which is why my CLL expert is concerned too. Has this happened to anyone else on Allopurinol ( the drug to prevent tumor lysis syndrome) ?
My concerns are rising, and perhaps needlessly, but I have gone through such severe anaphylaxis in the last few years (nearly dying) which is why my CLL expert is concerned too. Has this happened to anyone else on Allopurinol ( the drug to prevent tumor lysis syndrome) ?
WittyApricot profile image
WittyApricot
in CLL Support
7 months ago

Severe Allergic Reaction due to heat. How do others manage this?

I know from experience that this can easily worsen into serious anaphylaxis and am dreading the warmer months as one 30°C day this week has led to 3 days of big reactions entering into a reaction cycle which I am currently trying to break before it gets bad enough for hospital.
I know from experience that this can easily worsen into serious anaphylaxis and am dreading the warmer months as one 30°C day this week has led to 3 days of big reactions entering into a reaction cycle which I am currently trying to break before it gets bad enough for hospital.
TortoiseGuardian profile image
TortoiseGuardian
in The UK Mastocytosis Support Group
9 months ago

Seeking mast cell disorder diagnosis

When I spoke to my GP about the possibility of a mast cell disorder, she said something like "I thought Mastocytosis was to do with hives and anaphylaxis, they didn't really teach us about it" and said she'd have to go away and research it and get back to me.
When I spoke to my GP about the possibility of a mast cell disorder, she said something like "I thought Mastocytosis was to do with hives and anaphylaxis, they didn't really teach us about it" and said she'd have to go away and research it and get back to me.
DalesDweller profile image
DalesDweller
in The UK Mastocytosis Support Group
1 month ago

Advice please.

This sensitivity became worse each time I had the injection, we tried hydro & cyano in a variety of different brands but I responded the same with both and this eventually led to anaphylaxis. At this point my GP decided it was unsafe to continue delivering B12 injections.
This sensitivity became worse each time I had the injection, we tried hydro & cyano in a variety of different brands but I responded the same with both and this eventually led to anaphylaxis. At this point my GP decided it was unsafe to continue delivering B12 injections.
Bella-21 profile image
Bella-21
in Pernicious Anaemia Society
6 months ago

Immunologist referral

Then 3 weeks ago I had ct with contrast and had steroids and antihistamines as cover pre (I had anaphylaxis to contrast when I was 14). Anyway the day after the scan I was covered in red glow and my face was swollen. Also a slight wheeze. This took a week to fade.
Then 3 weeks ago I had ct with contrast and had steroids and antihistamines as cover pre (I had anaphylaxis to contrast when I was 14). Anyway the day after the scan I was covered in red glow and my face was swollen. Also a slight wheeze. This took a week to fade.
Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47
in NRAS
10 months ago

Endoscopy,Anaphylaxis, just want to cry

Then I had anaphylaxis due to propophol. Everything was blur. Spent 3 days hospital. I should of, could of would have…. My cirrhosis is from fatty liver. But doesn’t matter how I got it . I just feel like I want to cry all time. I feel terrible I havnt lost the weight I need too.
Then I had anaphylaxis due to propophol. Everything was blur. Spent 3 days hospital. I should of, could of would have…. My cirrhosis is from fatty liver. But doesn’t matter how I got it . I just feel like I want to cry all time. I feel terrible I havnt lost the weight I need too.
Marydel63 profile image
Marydel63
in British Liver Trust
1 year ago

Reaction question

They monitored me for any signs of anaphylaxis and then sent me on my way. I had a pretty intense week long local swelling in my arm followed by 2 more months of persistent lymph node swelling and pain in the area of the shot.
They monitored me for any signs of anaphylaxis and then sent me on my way. I had a pretty intense week long local swelling in my arm followed by 2 more months of persistent lymph node swelling and pain in the area of the shot.
Horselover123 profile image
Horselover123
in Allergic to Glycols
9 months ago

Covid vaccinations

I also suffer from idiopathic angiodema (anaphylaxis to an unknown allergen). I have decided not to have anymore covid vaccinations, potentially it could be life threatening if I have an attack of either Asthma or IA. Is anyone else NOT going to have the vaccs?
I also suffer from idiopathic angiodema (anaphylaxis to an unknown allergen). I have decided not to have anymore covid vaccinations, potentially it could be life threatening if I have an attack of either Asthma or IA. Is anyone else NOT going to have the vaccs?
chezrea79 profile image
chezrea79
in Asthma Community Forum
1 year ago
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