Food Allergy Reaction

Managing accidental allergen ingestion

Step by Step

Early signs can include tingling or itching in the mouth, hives, swelling, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Signs of anaphylaxis include swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheeze, hoarse voice, dizziness, or collapse: call emergency services and use the person's adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjector immediately if they have one. If in doubt, using the autoinjector early is recommended rather than waiting to see if symptoms worsen. Anyone who has had anaphylaxis needs hospital assessment, even if they improve, because symptoms can return hours later. People with known food allergies usually have an allergy action plan from their doctor.