Health condition
Anaphylaxis action plan
Anaphylaxis - the severe, rapid, multi-system allergic reaction - is survivable with the right reflexes: adrenaline first and fast, lie flat, call 999, second dose if needed; everyone at risk needs a written plan, two auto-injectors and trained confidence.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.
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Recognition: skin symptoms (hives, flushing, swelling) PLUS airway (throat tightness, hoarseness, stridor), breathing (wheeze, struggle) or circulation trouble (dizziness, collapse, floppiness in children) - evolving over minutes after exposure
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The sequence: adrenaline auto-injector into the outer mid-thigh IMMEDIATELY - it is the treatment, antihistamines are not; then call 999 saying anaphylaxis; lie flat with legs raised (do NOT stand or sit suddenly); second injector after 5 minutes if not improving
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Always carry TWO auto-injectors; check expiry dates; train everyone - family, school, colleagues - with the trainer device; hospital observation follows every use because reactions can rebound (biphasic reactions)
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Specialist: a consultant allergist afterwards - confirming the trigger, prescribing and teaching auto-injectors, and building the written personalised plan that turns panic into procedure
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it feels
Anaphylaxis moves fast and rewards those who move faster: within minutes of the trigger - foods (nuts, milk, shellfish leading), insect stings, medications, latex - mast cells discharge system-wide, and the reaction climbs from skin (widespread hives, flushing, swelling of lips and eyes) into the systems that make it lethal: the upper airway narrowing towards obstruction, the bronchi tightening into severe wheeze, the circulation dilating and leaking towards collapse. The single decision that determines outcomes is early intramuscular adrenaline - it reverses every dangerous mechanism at once, its risks in this situation are trivial against its benefits, and the recurring finding in fatality reviews is delay: waiting to see, trying antihistamines first (they treat skin, not airways or blood pressure), or hunting for the injector that was left at home. Hence the doctrine: injector always carried, in date, in pairs; used at the first sign the reaction is systemic; no hesitation, because the cost of unnecessary adrenaline is a racing heart, and the cost of necessary-but-late adrenaline can be everything.
Diagnosis and treatment routes
The full sequence deserves rehearsal until automatic: inject into the outer mid-thigh (through clothing if needed, hold for the device's count), call 999 and say anaphylaxis, lie the person flat with legs elevated - posture is physiology here, as sudden standing can crash venous return - or sit them up slightly only if breathing demands it; five minutes without improvement means the second injector, and every episode ends in hospital observation for the biphasic recurrence that can arrive hours later. Around the emergency sits the infrastructure: an allergist-led work-up confirming and characterising the trigger, a written emergency plan distributed wherever life happens (school, work, sports clubs), trainer-device practice for family and friends until the motion is muscle memory, medical identification jewellery, and scheduled review keeping devices current and technique sharp - the whole apparatus existing so that the worst day arrives, if it ever does, pre-decided. This is not a wait-and-see situation: seek same-day assessment through your GP, NHS 111 or A&E rather than waiting for a routine referral; once the urgent question has been answered, any follow-up can be arranged on the NHS or privately, where consultant appointments are typically available within around two weeks.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant allergist. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Anaphylaxis action plan.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What is an anaphylaxis action plan?
An anaphylaxis action plan is a personalised written document outlining the specific triggers, symptoms, and step-by-step emergency treatment instructions for someone at risk of severe allergic reactions, including when and how to use an adrenaline auto-injector.
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Why is an anaphylaxis action plan important?
It ensures that the affected person, family, carers, schools, or workplaces know exactly what to do in an emergency, reducing delay in giving life-saving treatment during a severe allergic reaction.
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What does an anaphylaxis action plan typically include?
It usually includes known allergy triggers, a description of mild versus severe symptoms, clear steps for administering adrenaline auto-injectors, and instructions for calling emergency services.
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How is an anaphylaxis action plan created?
It is typically developed with an allergy specialist or GP based on confirmed allergy testing and individual risk factors, then reviewed and updated periodically or after any reaction.
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How often should an anaphylaxis action plan be reviewed?
It's generally recommended to review the plan at least annually, or sooner after any reaction, medication change, or significant change in circumstances such as starting a new school or job.
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Should I carry my anaphylaxis action plan with me?
Yes, keeping a copy accessible, along with your adrenaline auto-injectors, ensures that you or anyone helping you in an emergency has clear guidance on immediate steps to take.
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Anaphylaxis action plan vs general allergy advice — what's the difference?
General allergy advice covers broad avoidance strategies and symptom awareness, while an action plan is a specific, personalised emergency protocol detailing exact steps to take during a reaction, including medication use and when to call for emergency help.
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Who should have a copy of my anaphylaxis action plan?
Close family members, school staff, workplace colleagues, and anyone who might need to help you during a reaction should have access to a copy and understand how to use it.
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Does an action plan replace carrying an adrenaline auto-injector?
No, the action plan works alongside carrying prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors at all times; the plan guides correct and timely use of the device rather than replacing the need to carry it.
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When should I get an anaphylaxis action plan, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
Get one soon after any confirmed severe allergy diagnosis. NHS allergy clinic referral can take several weeks, while private allergist consultation is often available within about one to two weeks.