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Recognizing and Responding to Anaphylaxis
Table of Contents
- Recognizing and Responding to Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, perhaps life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly.Knowing how to recognize the signs and respond quickly is crucial. Here’s a guide on what to do if someone is experiencing anaphylaxis.
Key Steps to Take During Anaphylaxis
- Lay the Person Flat
If breathing is difficult allow them to sit with legs outstretched
Hold babies and young children flat, not upright
If the person is having difficulty breathing, allow them to sit with their legs outstretched. For babies and young children, hold them flat, not upright.
If in doubt, give adrenaline injector.
- GIVE ADRENALINE (epinephrine) INJECTOR if available
Instructions on how to give the adrenaline injector are on the label of the device.
- Phone ambulance – triple zero – 000 (AU)
- Phone family/emergency contact
- Another adrenaline injector may be given after 5 minutes
If no response from first adrenaline injector, or person is more unwell.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most common symptoms of anaphylaxis?
A: Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat swelling, hives, dizziness, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Q: how quickly can anaphylaxis occur?
A: Symptoms can appear within minutes of exposure to an allergen.
Q: What should I do if someone is having an anaphylactic reaction?
A: Administer epinephrine (if available), call emergency services (000 in Australia), and lay the person flat.
