First Aid & Emergencies

Severe Allergic Reaction Treatment

Call 911

For a minor allergic reaction, see Allergic Reaction Treatment.

1. Seek emergency care

Get immediate help if the person has these symptoms or a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) even if there are no symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Tightness in the throat or a feeling that the airways are closing
• Hoarseness or trouble speaking
• Nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
• Fast heartbeat or pulse
• Skin that itches, tingles, swells, or turns red
• Anxiety or dizziness
• Loss of consciousness

2. Inject Epinephrine Immediately

If the person has an anaphylaxis action plan from a doctor for injecting epinephrine and other emergency measures, follow it.

Otherwise, if the person carries an epinephrine shot or one is available:

• Inject epinephrine if the person is unable to.

• If the person has a history of anaphylaxis, don't wait for signs of a severe reaction to inject epinephrine.

• Read and follow patient instructions carefully.

• Inject epinephrine into outer muscle of the thigh. Avoid injecting into a vein or buttock muscles.

• Do not inject medicine into hands or feet, which can cause tissue damage. If this happens, notify the emergency room staff.

• The person may need more than one injection if there’s no improvement after the first. For an adult, inject again after 10 to 20 minutes. For a child, inject again after 5 to 30 minutes.

3. Do CPR if the Person Stops Breathing

• For a child, start CPR for children.

• For an adult, start adult CPR.

4. Follow Up

• Make sure that someone stays with the person for 24 hours after anaphylaxis in case of another attack.

• Report the reaction to the person's doctor.