The signs of severe allergic reactions

HOW TO BE 'ALLERGY AWARE' AND HELP SOMEONE HAVING A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

One or more of:

* Dizziness

* Collapse

* Pale and floppy (young children)

* Swelling of tongue

* Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice

* Difficult breathing/noisy breathing

* Wheeze or persistent cough

* Swelling or tightness in throat

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO HELP?

1. Lay person flat and raise their legs if possible (if breathing is difficult allow to sit)

2. Administer adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen)

3. Call ambulance

4. Call their emergency contact

5. After five minutes, if no response or condition worsening, administer second adrenaline autoinjector if available

OTHER REMINDERS:

* Mild or moderate allergic reactions can quickly progress to anaphylaxis

* If someone with known food or insect allergy suddenly develops severe asthma-like symptoms, give adrenaline autoinjector first, then asthma reliever.

Source: Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia.