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![](img/beauty_and_health/anaphylactic-shock.jpg") Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction, which can be fatal and must be taken extremely seriously. First aid can help, but an adult having an anaphylactic reaction also needs medical attention.
What is it?
Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction to certain foods, insect stings or drugs, which results in rapid chemical changes in the body.
Symptoms
- Blood vessels dilate, producing red, blotchy skin
- Air passages become constricted, resulting in breathing difficulties
- Face and neck may swell
- Heart, brain and lungs may suffer from a dramatic drop in oxygen supply
- Casualty may wheeze and gasp for air
First aid aims
- Get emergency help
- Resuscitate, if necessary
Actions
- Call 999 and give any details you have of cause of reaction
- Help casualty to sit in a position that helps with breathing
- Loosen any tight clothing
- Check to see if casualty is carrying medication and encourage them to use it
Further actions
- If the casualty loses consciousness
- Call 999
- Lie them down
- Open airway
- Prepare to start resuscitation
- Place them in recovery position
Anaphylactic shock - children
Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction, which can be fatal and must be taken extremely seriously. First aid can help, but a child having an anaphylactic reaction also needs medical attention.
What is it?
Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction to certain foods, drugs or animal stings, which results in rapid chemical changes in the body.
Symptoms
- Blood vessels dilate, producing red, blotchy skin
- Air passages become constricted, resulting in breathing difficulties
- Face and neck may swell
- Pulse may race
- There may be puffiness around the eyes
- Casualty may wheeze and gasp for air
First aid aims
- Get emergency help
- Be prepared to resuscitate
Actions
- Call 999
- Give the child as much calm reassurance as you can
- Put child in a position that helps to alleviate breathing difficulties
- Loosen any tight clothing
- If child is carrying medication, help them to use it
Further actions
If the child loses consciousness
- Call 999
- Lie them down
- Open airway
- Prepare to start resuscitation
- Place them in recovery position
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