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.
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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.
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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.
What is anaphylaxis?
Read time: 3 min
This information sheet explains the causes, diagnosis, management, and treatment of anaphylaxis.
Publisher: Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Download PDF
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Recognise and respond to allergic reactions”:
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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
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