What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, often sudden and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It occurs when an individual with an allergy (even known to them or not) is exposed to a trigger. This trigger is known as the allergen. An allergy is different to an intolerance and is much more serious.

Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and always required immediate emergency attention.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with an anaphylactic allergy may carry an adrenaline auto-injector. This is a medical device used for the treatment of severe allergic reactions and looks like a thick pen. People may refer to this as an EpiPen (EpiPen is a brand of auto-injector).

How do you use an auto-injector/EpiPen?

Using an auto-injector (or EpiPen) is simple and could save someone's life. Click here to watch the step-by-step guide.

I'm scared to use an EpiPen, what could go wrong?

We understand injecting someone or yourself may be worrying, but it's nothing to be scared of if you believe someone is having an anaphylactic shock.

If you believe it should be injected, simply carry out these simple steps and call 999 straight after. If an injection was not needed, the patient will be in the care of a medical professional to ensure they are safe. Waiting for someone else to help may be life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis usually develops suddenly and worsens quickly.

Symptoms include:

1. feeling lightheaded or faint
2. breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing
3. wheezing
4. a fast heartbeat
5. clammy skin
6. confusion and anxiety
7. collapsing or losing consciousness

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

What can cause anaphylaxis?

There are several common causes (or triggers) of anaphylaxis. These may include:

1. Foods: including nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and some fruits.
2. Medicines: including some antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin.
3. Insect stings: particularly wasp and bee stings.
4. General anaesthetic: This is only given in a hospital environment.
5. Latex: a type of rubber found in some rubber gloves and condoms.

Do I know someone with an allergy?

According to the Food Standards Agency (2016), 1-2% of adults in the UK have a food allergy and 5-8% of children. These two figures cmbined equates to about 2 million people.

What do to if someone has an anaphylactic reaction

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

If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should:

1. Use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one – but make sure you know how to use it correctly first. You can watch our video here.

2. Call your emergency services (999 in the UK, 911 in the USA) for an ambulance immediately (even if they start to feel better) – mention that you think the person has anaphylaxis, this will ensure your emergency is pushed to a priority case.

3. Remove any triggers if possible – for example, carefully remove any nuts in the surrounding area or any stinger stuck in the skin.

4. Lie the person down flat – unless they're unconscious, pregnant or having breathing difficulties.

5. Give another injection after 5 to 15 minutes if the symptoms do not improve and a second auto-injector is available.

Can anyone develop an allergy?

Allergies can develop in anyone at any time, but certain groups are more at risk. Those who have relatives with allergies are genetically predisposed to develop them. It is the tendency that is passed down – not an allergy to a specific food or substance.

What is the difference between an allergy and intolerance?

Allergies and intolerances are very different, both biologically and in how they affect the individual. It's very important to know the difference and know whether you have an allergy or intolerance.

Someone with food intolerance may suffer migraine and unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, bloating and frequent diarrhoea, unexplained muscle and joint pains and unexplained nasal congestion and discharge.

In the case of food allergy the symptoms are more likely to be a swelling of the tissues in the face or throat, a skin rash or hives, asthma, or in extreme cases a fall in blood pressure. These symptoms are also more likely to be immediate and more dangerous.