LESSON 3 – HOW TO RECOGNISE ALLERGY AND ANAPHYLAXIS

You must first complete LESSON 2 – ALLERGENS THAT TRIGGER ANAPHYLAXIS before viewing this Lesson

ASCIA Action Plans provide a clear and standardised summary of the how to recognise the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis and the actions to take.These should be used for guidance during an allergic reaction.  More information about these will be covered later.

  • Allergic reactions can be mild to moderate or severe (anaphylaxis)
  • Mild reactions may not progress to anaphylaxis but some mild to moderate allergic reactions will progress to severe (anaphylaxis).
  • In some cases, individuals will experience anaphylaxis immediately with no mild to moderate symptoms beforehand.
  • It is important that someone observes the person experiencing an allergic reaction and watch for any changes in signs and symptoms.

MILD TO MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTIONS

  • Swelling of lips, face, eyes.
  • Hives (urticaria) or welts.
  • Tingling mouth.
  • Abdominal pain, vomiting (for allergic reactions to food).

 Unlike food allergy, ABDOMINAL PAIN & VOMITING are considered SEVERE symptoms for those experiencing an ALLERGIC REACTION TO INSECTS.

SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION – ANAPHYLAXIS

Watch for any one of the following signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis:

  • Difficult/noisy breathing.
  • Swelling of tongue.
  • Swelling/tightness in throat.
  • Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice.
  • Wheeze or persistent cough.
  • Persistent dizziness or collapse.
  • Pale and floppy (young children).
  • Abdominal pain, vomiting (for allergic reactions to insects)

 CONFUSION – IS IT ANAPHYLAXIS OR ASTHMA?

Because people with asthma experience a narrowing of the bronchioles in the lungs, they may present with difficulty breathing. Sometimes people experiencing anaphylaxis can present with signs & symptoms similar to those of severe asthma like a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, distress, struggling to talk etc.

A person diagnosed with both Asthma and Anaphylaxis may present with signs of difficulty breathing and when there are no other signs like swelling of the lips, eyes or hives and welts, this can actually cause confusion – Is it Asthma or Anaphylaxis?

If there is any doubt, ALWAYS give the adrenaline auto-injector FIRST, and then the asthma reliever puffer even if there are no skin symptoms.

Lesson tags: Anaphylaxis, LESSON 3, RECOGNISE ALLERGY
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