Allergic Reaction

Mild to moderate allergic reactions are not generally life-threatening. Small singular welts, an itch, or a small localised rash, is relatively harmless. However, some mild to moderate reactions may develop further into anaphylaxis and so careful monitoring is needed.

Signs and symptoms

  • Swelling and redness of the skin where the substance has had contact

  • Swelling of the throat, lips, tongue or around the eyes

  • Nausea, vomiting, dizziness

  • Itching

  • Breathing difficulty, coughing or wheezing. This may progress to an obstructed airway as the tongue and throat swell

First aid

If possible, stay with the person and ask others to get medications, action plans, adrenaline auto-injector to use if they develop anaphylaxis.

  • For insect allergy, flick out the sting if it can be seen or remove ticks

  • The casualty may consider self-administering their own antihistamines for relief

  • If symptoms progress to anaphylaxis then adrenaline auto-injector is the only suitable medication

  • Contact parent/guardian or other emergency contact

  • Watch for signs of anaphylaxis

Meirav Dulberg