When a person is showing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, they should initiate emergency treatment.

Emergency treatment typically consists of administering adrenaline (epinephrine). Your doctor may prescribe you an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector pen for use by you or somebody with you in the event of an anaphylactic reaction. Other forms of adrenaline (epinephrine) can only be provided by a healthcare professional. These treatments are only available on a doctor's prescription. Failure to provide treatment at the first signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction can be life threatening

Once adrenaline has been administered, it is essential that the person gets immediate follow up treatment at a hospital. Dial 995 for an ambulance.

As with all treatments, adrenaline is not suitable for everyone and may cause side effects. People with the below medical conditions need to inform their doctors when discussing about treatment options for allergic reactions. 

• Asthma

• Depression

• Thyroid disease

• Parkinson's disease

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant

• Are breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed

• Any other medical conditions

An injection of adrenaline into your body may result in side effects. However, these side effects, as listed below, are relatively mild and often go away quickly, especially with rest.

• Dizziness

• Sweating

• Headache

• Anxiety

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Increase in heart rate

• Difficulty breathing

If you are or think you might be at risk of severe allergic reactions, it is important to see your doctor to be diagnosed and to receive advice on the right treatment for your condition