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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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182 public posts

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

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

Anaphylaxis after effects

Has anyone experienced anaphylaxis from a bee sting, that subsequently has triggered other allergies, including multiple medications and alcohol?
Has anyone experienced anaphylaxis from a bee sting, that subsequently has triggered other allergies, including multiple medications and alcohol?
I_hate_bees profile image
I_hate_bees
in USAnaphylaxis
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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

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

Advice needed

I'm only on Sulfasalazine after having anaphylaxis after 18 months on Retuximab ,then lung problems on Baricitinib in May21. Have an appointment for November 21 at hospital. I'm thinking of coat doing myself ---'any advice welcome😕😕
I'm only on Sulfasalazine after having anaphylaxis after 18 months on Retuximab ,then lung problems on Baricitinib in May21. Have an appointment for November 21 at hospital. I'm thinking of coat doing myself ---'any advice welcome😕😕
duncan1 profile image
duncan1
in Arthritis Action

Anyone else have allergies along with Endo?

And well it turns out, there’s no difference between the mechanism for sepsis, and the mechanism for anaphylaxis, only the trigger is different! Sepsis, infection, anaphylaxis, benign allergen! So as you can imagine, I am now on off the label antihistamines and strong steroid cream!
And well it turns out, there’s no difference between the mechanism for sepsis, and the mechanism for anaphylaxis, only the trigger is different! Sepsis, infection, anaphylaxis, benign allergen! So as you can imagine, I am now on off the label antihistamines and strong steroid cream!
Heloo85 profile image
Heloo85
in Endometriosis UK

I can't breathe for two to four days after each PEG incident.

Here's one of my biggest concerns now - is the PEG ruining my lungs by breathing it (since I don't have anaphylaxis)? Because sometimes it just can't be avoided when I go out in public. Has anyone every heard about the lungs being damaged?
Here's one of my biggest concerns now - is the PEG ruining my lungs by breathing it (since I don't have anaphylaxis)? Because sometimes it just can't be avoided when I go out in public. Has anyone every heard about the lungs being damaged?
firsttriplet profile image
firsttriplet
in Allergic to Glycols

Allergy to PEG scared!?

Hey I’m new here, March 30 I got the first dose of pfizer and had anaphylaxis and went to the ER. I think I’m allergic to PEG but idk. But I’m scared to do a skin prick test since that can lead to Anaphylaxis as well. Is there anything in the vaccine I can blood test for?
Hey I’m new here, March 30 I got the first dose of pfizer and had anaphylaxis and went to the ER. I think I’m allergic to PEG but idk. But I’m scared to do a skin prick test since that can lead to Anaphylaxis as well. Is there anything in the vaccine I can blood test for?
Rissa_L profile image
Rissa_L
in Allergic to Glycols

Interview With Dr. Weiler

https://namelyliberty.com/peg-sensitivity-anaphylaxis-covid19-vaccines-will-the-problem-be-addressed/?utm_source=Liberty+RSS+Feed
https://namelyliberty.com/peg-sensitivity-anaphylaxis-covid19-vaccines-will-the-problem-be-addressed/?utm_source=Liberty+RSS+Feed
Shiloh1 profile image
Shiloh1
in Allergic to Glycols

Allergy to polyethylene glycol what does that mean for other glycols

Hi I had anaphylaxis last week to an arthritis medication and I have been diagnosed as having a polyethylene glycol allergy. What I don't know is does this mean I am also allergic to other glycols like propylene glycol?
Hi I had anaphylaxis last week to an arthritis medication and I have been diagnosed as having a polyethylene glycol allergy. What I don't know is does this mean I am also allergic to other glycols like propylene glycol?
2dog5 profile image
2dog5
in Allergic to Glycols

Covid Jab and allergies

Hello everyone, I am trying to reach out to anyone who had the Pfizer jab who also has a severe anaphylaxis inducing allergy.
Hello everyone, I am trying to reach out to anyone who had the Pfizer jab who also has a severe anaphylaxis inducing allergy.
Sar94 profile image
Sar94
in Women's Health

Good news in two trustworthy articles for those with anaphylaxis, regarding Covid vaccinations.

5th Jan 2021, 'GPs can now deliver Covid vaccinations to patients with a history of anaphylaxis, NHS England has said.' well worth a read.
5th Jan 2021, 'GPs can now deliver Covid vaccinations to patients with a history of anaphylaxis, NHS England has said.' well worth a read.
Pollynolongerinagony profile image
Pollynolongerinagony
in PMRGCAuk

Chlorambucil

They tried me initially on Obinutzumib but I had anaphylaxis and it was terminated. Hope this helps. Jan x
They tried me initially on Obinutzumib but I had anaphylaxis and it was terminated. Hope this helps. Jan x
JanChas profile image
JanChas
in CLL Support

Pfizer vaccine possible allergic reaction??

I just don’t know what to do- I’m really worried about not having a second but equally worried about having a vaccine that one doctor has said could cause anaphylaxis next time!!. Has anyone else had a reaction that’s not one of the expected ones?? Thank you!
I just don’t know what to do- I’m really worried about not having a second but equally worried about having a vaccine that one doctor has said could cause anaphylaxis next time!!. Has anyone else had a reaction that’s not one of the expected ones?? Thank you!
Daisee1963 profile image
Daisee1963
in British Heart Foundation

Anaphylaxis and the covid vaccine

I have severe food allergies requiring epipen due to anaphylaxis. I just wondered if anyone on here has had the jab that has severe food allergies?
I have severe food allergies requiring epipen due to anaphylaxis. I just wondered if anyone on here has had the jab that has severe food allergies?
BP135 profile image
BP135
in Asthma Community Forum

Should You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine If You Have a History of Allergic Reactions to Infused or Injectable Medications?

This is also known as anaphylaxis.
This is also known as anaphylaxis.
lupus-support1 profile image
lupus-support1
Administratorin LUpus Patients Understanding and Support

Covid vaccine

Vaccinators not terribly interested but I had filled in an on line form asking mainly about anaphylaxis and alkergy to other vaccines.
Vaccinators not terribly interested but I had filled in an on line form asking mainly about anaphylaxis and alkergy to other vaccines.
Stone17 profile image
Stone17
in The UK Mastocytosis Support Group

What's a Do Not Resuscitate Order? Is it discontinuation of life support? Allow natural death?

I was told by his company's HR head that it was anaphylaxis from vaccine. The source himself caught it and is no more. I assume, he was sick at the time he sent email to me that's why the incorrect information.
I was told by his company's HR head that it was anaphylaxis from vaccine. The source himself caught it and is no more. I assume, he was sick at the time he sent email to me that's why the incorrect information.
DivSin profile image
DivSin
in ICUsteps

Is baricitinib fast acting?

I had anaphylaxis with anti-TNFs and Rituximab only helped my feet. I had started to think about the possibility that my hands would never function properly again but here I am, one week in, and even my displaced middle finger looks back to its normal location 😳😁
I had anaphylaxis with anti-TNFs and Rituximab only helped my feet. I had started to think about the possibility that my hands would never function properly again but here I am, one week in, and even my displaced middle finger looks back to its normal location 😳😁
mhlmom profile image
mhlmom
in NRAS
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