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Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and asthma attacks related to allergies need emergency first aid. If you (or a family member) have previously had asthma, or a severe allergic reaction, your doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner will complete an Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action Plan for . Follow the plan if the symptoms of an allergic reaction appear. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:
Signs of mild to moderate allergic reaction include:
Mild to moderate allergic reactions (such as hives or swelling) may not always occur before anaphylaxis. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you are at greater risk of having another severe reaction. Ask your doctor to refer you to a clinical immunology/allergy . Emergency first aid for severe allergic reactionsA severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is life-threatening and requires urgent .
If in doubt, give adrenaline injector. Commence CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) at any time if person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Always give adrenaline injector first, and then asthma reliever puffer if someone with known asthma and allergy to food, insects or medication has sudden breathing difficulty (including wheeze, persistent cough or hoarse voice) even if there are no skin symptoms. Be prepared for severe allergic reactionsIf you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction, make sure you:
Adrenaline injectorsAdrenaline works fast to reverse a severe allergic reaction, and adrenaline (EpiPens® and Anapen®) are designed for use by people who are not medically trained. If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, your doctor will have prescribed an adrenaline injector. Emergency first aid for asthma attacksIf you have asthma, your doctor will prescribe medication and help you to develop a plan to manage your asthma and an action plan for asthma attacks. Asthma can be well controlled with medication in most people. If you, or someone you know, are having an asthma attack, follow the asthma action plan. In case of emergency, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator that someone is having an asthma attack. Read more about asthma emergency first aid. Where to get helpThis page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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