Signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Watch for any ONE of these signs:
- Difficult or noisy breathing
- Swelling of tongue
- Swelling or tightness in throat
- Wheeze or persistent cough
- Difficulty talking or hoarse voice
- Persistent dizziness or collapse
- Pale and floppy (young children)
- For INSECT ALLERGY – abdominal pain, vomiting
Follow instructions on the ASCIA Action Plan or ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis.
If you do not have an ASCIA Action Plan with you, these are the actions to take if you think someone is having anaphylaxis:
1. LAY PERSON FLAT – do NOT allow them to stand or walk
Lay person flat
Do not allow them to stand or walk
If unconscious or pregnant, place in recovery position – on left side if pregnant
If breathing is difficult allow them to sit with legs outstretched
Hold babies and young children flat, not upright
2. GIVE ADRENALINE (epinephrine) INJECTOR if available
- Instructions on how to give the adrenaline injector are on the label of the device
3. Phone ambulance – triple zero – 000 (AU)
4. Phone family/emergency contact
5. Another adrenaline injector may be given after 5 minutes
- If no response from first adrenaline injector, or person is more unwell
6. The person must go to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation
IF IN DOUBT GIVE ADRENALINE INJECTOR
Start CPR at any time if person is not responding to you and not breathing normally
Remember: the person having anaphylaxis may not be thinking clearly.
- Make sure someone stays with the person having anaphylaxis.
- Try to remain calm, reassure the person and tell them help is on its way.
- Don’t expect the person having anaphylaxis to manage the emergency on their own if help is available.
- A person having anaphylaxis may not be able to give themselves their adrenaline injector even if they know how to use it.
DO NOT SHOWER when you have anaphylaxis.
Showering during a severe allergic reaction can lower the person’s blood pressure and make them more unwell.
They can collapse if their blood pressure is too low.
ASCIA Action Plans:
Preparing for an emergency
Learn more about preparing for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and what to expect if you or a loved one experiences anaphylaxis.