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What should I do if my child has anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that needs emergency treatment straight away.
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What it is
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly [9]. It usually starts within minutes of contact with something your child is allergic to, such as a food, a medicine or an insect sting [9]. Things that can sometimes cause it include foods like nuts, cows’ milk, eggs, fish or sesame seeds, medicines such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, insect stings, anaesthetics and latex [6]. Sometimes it is not known what caused the reaction [6]. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can be life-threatening [7].
What you can do at home
Most of this work happens before a reaction, so you are ready if one comes.
- Avoid the food, medicine or thing your child is allergic to — for example, check food labels carefully and tell staff at restaurants and cafes about the allergy [4].
- Carry 2 adrenaline auto-injectors with you at all times [4].
- Check the expiry dates regularly and get new ones before they expire [4].
- Practise using the injector with a trainer injector that has no needle or medicine in it [4].
- Teach friends, family, colleagues or carers how and when to use the injector [4].
- Wear medical alert jewellery, such as a bracelet with information about the allergy [4].
- Do not leave the injectors anywhere too hot or cold, such as in the fridge or outside in the sun [4].
If a reaction starts, use the adrenaline auto-injector straight away if you have one — instructions are included with the injector [8]. Then call your local emergency number for an ambulance, even if your child seems to be feeling better [8]. Help your child lie down; you can raise their legs, and if they are struggling to breathe, raise their shoulders or sit them up slowly [2]. If they have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it is still in the skin [2]. If symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a second adrenaline auto-injector [2]. Do not let them stand or walk at any time, even if they feel better [2]. There are different types of auto-injectors and each one is given differently, so follow the instructions that come with yours [2]. Your specialist will give you an allergy action plan explaining how to manage the allergy [3].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Call your local emergency number if:
- your child’s lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen [9]
- they are breathing very fast or struggling to breathe, or you feel they are choking or gasping for air [9]
- their throat feels tight or they are struggling to swallow [9]
- their skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale — if they have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet [9]
- they suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy [9]
- they faint and cannot be woken up [9]
- they are limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do — their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face [9]
They may also have a rash that is swollen, raised or itchy [9]. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital [9]. Anaphylaxis needs to be treated in hospital immediately [1]. Treatment can include adrenaline given by injection or drip into a vein, oxygen, and fluids given by a drip [1]. You will usually stay in hospital for around 2 to 12 hours, but sometimes longer [1]. Before leaving hospital, you should be given 2 adrenaline auto-injectors, or a prescription for them, to keep in case of another reaction [1]. You should be shown how to use your injector each time it is prescribed [1]. You may also be referred to an allergy specialist for tests and advice [1].
Common questions
Is there a cure for food allergy? No. There is no cure for food allergies, and the only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid eating the food your child is allergic to [5].
What medicines might be prescribed? Medicines can reduce allergy symptoms, including antihistamines and corticosteroids, and medicines can reduce allergic reactions, including severe ones [5]. Epinephrine is the medicine used to treat anaphylaxis, and your provider may give you a prescription for an auto-injector [5]. If one is prescribed, it is important to learn how to use it and to carry it at all times [5]. A nasal spray may also be given for severe allergic reactions [3].
Should my child wear a medical alert bracelet? Yes, it is a good idea to have a medical alert bracelet that says what the allergy is [5].
Can anything make the allergy less severe? Children with a peanut allergy may have immunotherapy to help their bodies become less sensitive to peanuts, but they should still avoid eating peanuts [3].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Anaphylaxis” (2023), section “Treatment for anaphylaxis”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/ [2] NHS — “Anaphylaxis” (2023), section “What to do if you have anaphylaxis”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/ [3] NHS — “Food allergy” (2026), section “Treatments for a food allergy”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-allergy/ [4] NHS — “Anaphylaxis” (2023), section “Things you can do to help prevent anaphylaxis”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/ [5] MedlinePlus — “Food Allergy” (2025), section “What are the treatments for food allergies?”, p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/foodallergy.html [6] NHS — “Anaphylaxis” (2023), section “Causes of anaphylaxis”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/ [7] MedlinePlus — “Allergy” (2025), p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/allergy.html [8] NHS — “Food allergy” (2026), section “If you have an adrenaline auto-injector or nasal spray”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-allergy/ [9] NHS — “Anaphylaxis” (2023), section “Anaphylaxis”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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