Anaphylaxis information
Empowering Patients
Adrenaline is the drug of choice for first-line treatment of anaphylaxis because it works quickly to reverse the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction.
Adrenaline constricts the blood vessels causing a rise in blood pressure, relaxes smooth muscle in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulates the heart beat and reduces swelling around the lips and face.
It is important to ensure adrenaline is injected into the muscle (rather than the fat) as it works quicker.
Keeping away from harm
- Have your treatment(s) available at all times and ensure they are in date
- Ask questions about ingredients before you eat anything
- Don't take chances - if you cannot check the label - don't eat it
- If you also have asthma, make sure that this is well controlled, ask your Doctor or Nurse for an asthma review
- Establish a robust care procedure for nursery, school or work explaining exactly what to do in case of an anaphylactic reaction
- Ensure all of your medication is "in date" registering all EpiPens with the Expiry Alert service on this website. Anaphylaxis is unpredictable and can rapidly develop - have a plan and know what to do!