Anaphylaxis - Treatment

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical assistance and treatment.

What to do

If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should:

Call 999 for an ambulance immediately – mention that you think the person has anaphylaxis.
Remove any trigger if possible – for example, carefully remove any wasp or bee sting stuck in the skin.
Lie the person down flat – unless they're unconscious, pregnant or having breathing difficulties (see advice about positioning ).
Use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one – but make sure you know how to use it correctly first.
Give another injection after 5-15 minutes if the symptoms don't 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.

Adrenaline auto-injectors

People with potentially serious allergies will often be given an adrenaline auto-injector to carry at all times. This can help stop an anaphylactic reaction becoming life threatening.

This should be used as soon as a serious reaction is suspected, either by the person experiencing anaphylaxis or someone helping them.

If you've been given an auto-injector, make sure you're aware how to use it correctly.

There are three main types of adrenaline auto-injector, which are used in slightly different ways.

These are:

Instructions are also included on the side of each injector if you forget how to use it or someone else needs to give you the injection.

Positioning and resuscitation

Someone experiencing anaphylaxis should be placed in a comfortable position.

Most people should lie flat.
Pregnant women should lie on their left side to avoid putting too much pressure on the large vein that leads to the heart.
People having trouble breathing should sit up to help make breathing easier.
People who are unconscious should be placed in the recovery position to ensure the airway remains open and clear – place them on their side, making sure they're supported by one leg and one arm, and open their airway by lifting their chin.
Avoid a sudden change to an upright posture such as standing or sitting up – this can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.

If the person's breathing or heart stops, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed immediately.

In hospital

You will need to go to hospital for observation – usually for 6-12 hours – as the symptoms can occasionally return during this period.

While in hospital:

an oxygen mask may be used to help breathing
fluids may be given directly into a vein to help increase blood pressure
additional medications such as antihistamines and steroids may be used to help relieve symptoms
blood tests may be carried out to confirm anaphylaxis

You should be able to go home when the symptoms are under control and it's thought they won't return quickly. This will usually be after a few hours, but may be longer if the reaction was severe.

You may be asked to take antihistamine and steroid tablets for a few days after leaving hospital to help stop your symptoms returning.

You will also probably be asked to attend a follow-up appointment with an allergy specialist so you can be given advice about how you can avoid further episodes of anaphylaxis.

An adrenaline auto-injector may be provided for emergency use between leaving hospital and attending the follow-up appointment.