Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Sometimes it can occur a half-hour or longer after exposure.
On this page:
On this page:
Current page section: Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
Go to top of current page: Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
Go to top of current page: Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
Go to top of current page: Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
What to look for
What to look for
A short animation explaining the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms
Anaphylaxis should always be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Delayed administration of adrenaline can be life threatening.
One or more of these symptoms is a sign of anaphylaxis:
- difficult/noisy breathing
- swelling of tongue
- swelling/tightness in throat
- difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
- wheeze or persistent cough
- loss of consciousness
- collapse
- pale and floppy (young children).
Source: Guidelines for early childhood services and schools. Allergy New Zealand (opens in a new tab/window)
Be prepared
Be prepared
Most reactions occur 5-30 minutes after ingestion or contact with the allergen, but some can occur up to a few hours later.
![11543 [Anaphylaxis-signs-and-symptoms.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Anaphylaxis-signs-and-symptoms__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.png)
Recognise food allergy symptoms
Recognise food allergy symptoms
Examples of how young children with food allergies might communicate their symptoms.
- It feels like something is poking my tongue.
- My tongue (or mouth) is tingling (or burning).
- My tongue (or mouth) itches.
- My tongue feels like there is hair on it.
- My mouth feels funny.
- There’s a frog in my throat.
- There’s something stuck in my throat.
- My tongue feels full (or heavy).
- My lips feel tight.
- My throat feels thick.
- It feels like a bump is on the back of my tongue or throat.
Source: Food Allergy Research and Education (opens in a new tab/window)
Ask family and whānau
Ask family and whānau
Younger children may not be able to communicate their symptoms.
Ask parents:
- the signs you need to be aware of
- how their child communicates symptoms
- if their child has ever had anaphylaxis.
Useful resources
Useful resources
Anaphylaxis resources
Downloadable posters, action plans, checklists, adrenaline autoinjector information, anaphylaxis guidelines, ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training courses, translations of anaphylaxis information, and general allergy information.
Publisher: Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines for Schools and Kura
Read time: 37 min
Guidelines to support school leadership, management, and teachers throughout New Zealand to manage allergies and anaphylaxis.
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Recognise and respond to allergic reactions”:
-
Current page Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
Return to the guide “Allergies and learning”
![11648 [Allergies.jpg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/guides/featured-images/Allergies__FillWzIwOCwyMDhd.jpg)
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Allergies and learning
Understand:
Strategies for action:
-
Recognise and respond to allergic reactionsShow suggestions for Recognise and respond to allergic reactions
- Allergy action plans
- Mild to moderate allergic reactions
- Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
- Anaphylaxis response
-
Develop and implement health and safety policies and proceduresShow suggestions for Develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures
-
Create inclusive systemsShow suggestions for Create inclusive systems
-
Create an inclusive learning environmentShow suggestions for Create an inclusive learning environment
