Anaphylaxis: assessment and referral after emergency treatment

Before discharge a healthcare professional with the appropriate skills and competencies should offer the adult, young person or child (or their parent or carer, as appropriate) the following:

• information about anaphylaxis, including the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

• information about the risk of a biphasic reaction

• advice about how to avoid the suspected trigger (if known)

• information about the need for referral to a specialist allergy service and the referral process

• information on what to do if anaphylaxis occurs (use the adrenaline auto-injector and call emergency services)

• a brand-specific demonstration of the correct use of the adrenaline auto-injector and when to use it, including advice that the person should lie down after using the injector (or sit up if they are struggling to breathe) and should not stand up or change position suddenly, even if they feel better

• information about patient support groups. [2011]

At discharge following emergency treatment for suspected or known anaphylaxis, ensure the adult, young person or child has 2 in-date adrenaline auto-injectors (via a prescription, if needed) and knows when and how to use them, unless the anaphylaxis was due to a drug allergy and the drug can be easily avoided. [2011, amended 2026]

Give advice to the adult, young person or child to carry their adrenaline auto-injectors with them at all times. [2011, amended 2020]