Severe Allergic Reaction
A bad reaction can turn deadly in minutes.
Spot it
After a food, sting, or medicine: trouble breathing; throat or tongue swelling; faintness or signs of shock; or rapidly developing symptoms in more than one body system. Anaphylaxis can happen without hives, and hives alone may be a less severe reaction.
Use their epinephrine (EpiPen)
Epinephrine is first-line treatment for suspected anaphylaxis. Help them use their own auto-injector in the outer thigh and follow that device’s printed or voice instructions; hold time varies by device.
Call 911
Every time — even if they start to feel better, they need to be seen.
While you wait
Have them lie back with legs up (or sit up if breathing is hard). If they do not respond to the first dose and EMS arrival will exceed 5–10 minutes, a repeat epinephrine dose may be considered if another auto-injector is available.
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for suspected anaphylaxis. Use it promptly and call 911 immediately.