Allergy Action Plan

Guide for Recognizing and Treating Anaphylaxis

SEVERE SYMPTOMS
LUNG, HEART, THROAT, MOUTH, SKIN, GUT
🫁
LUNG
Shortness of breath, wheezing, repetitive cough
❤️
HEART
Pale or bluish skin, faintness, weak pulse, dizziness
🗣️
THROAT
Tight or hoarse throat, trouble breathing or swallowing
👄
MOUTH
Significant swelling of the tongue or lips
🔴
SKIN
Many hives over body, widespread redness
🤢
GUT
Repetitive vomiting, severe diarrhea
⚫
OTHER
Feeling something bad is about to happen, anxiety, confusion
OR A COMBINATION
of symptoms from different body areas.
⬇️ INJECT NOW ⬇️
INJECT EPINEPHRINE IMMEDIATELY
  1. Call 911. Inform emergency dispatcher the person is having anaphylaxis and may need epinephrine when emergency responders arrive.
  2. Consider giving additional medications following epinephrine:
    • Antihistamine
    • Inhaler (bronchodilator) if wheezing
  3. Lay the person flat, raise their legs and keep warm. If breathing is difficult or they are vomiting, let them sit up or lie on their side.
  4. If symptoms do not improve, or symptoms return, more doses of epinephrine can be given about 5 minutes or more after the last dose.
  5. Alert emergency contacts.
  6. Transport patient to ER, even if symptoms resolve. Patient should remain in ER for at least 4 hours because symptoms may return.
MILD SYMPTOMS
NOSE, MOUTH, SKIN, GUT
👃
NOSE
Itchy or runny nose, sneezing
👄
MOUTH
Itchy mouth
🔴
SKIN
A few hives, mild itch
🤢
GUT
Mild nausea or discomfort
FOR MILD SYMPTOMS FROM MORE THAN ONE SYSTEM AREA, GIVE EPINEPHRINE.
FOR MILD SYMPTOMS FROM A SINGLE SYSTEM AREA, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS BELOW:
  1. Antihistamines may be given, if ordered by a healthcare provider.
  2. Stay with the person; alert emergency contacts.
  3. Watch closely for changes. If symptoms worsen, give epinephrine.