EMERGENCY NOTICE: If you believe you or your child is experiencing anaphylaxis right now, call emergency services immediately on 999. Do not wait.

Anaphylaxis treatment and management

Specialist care for severe allergic reactions in children and adults

Our expert team provides comprehensive care for patients with anaphylaxis risk. Led by Professor Gideon Lack, we combine pioneering research with personalised treatment plans to help you manage severe allergic reactions with confidence.

Emergency action plan development
Comprehensive allergy assessment
Evidence-based prevention strategies
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What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that develops rapidly after exposure to an allergen. It affects the whole body and requires immediate medical attention. While frightening, anaphylaxis can be effectively managed with proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and preventive strategies.

How anaphylaxis develops

When someone experiences anaphylaxis, their immune system overreacts to a trigger, releasing chemicals that cause widespread inflammation. This reaction can affect multiple body systems simultaneously:
  • The allergic cascade begins within minutes of exposure to the trigger
  • Inflammatory chemicals are released throughout the body
  • Blood vessels dilate, causing a drop in blood pressure
  • Airways may narrow, making breathing difficult
  • Other body systems become affected
Understanding this process helps explain why symptoms appear in different parts of the body and why prompt treatment is essential.

Common symptoms

Anaphylaxis symptoms typically develop suddenly and can progress quickly. Recognising these signs is crucial for prompt intervention.
Skin and mucosal symptoms
  • Widespread hives (raised, itchy welts)
  • Flushing or redness of the skin
  • Swelling, particularly of the lips, tongue, and face
  • Limited capacity for physical activity
Respiratory symptoms
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing or persistent cough
  • Throat tightness or hoarseness
  • Limited capacity for physical activity
Cardiovascular symptoms
  • Weak, rapid pulse
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Diarrhoea

Common triggers

Anaphylaxis can be triggered by various substances, with certain triggers being more common than others:
  • ‍Foods: Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat are the most frequent culprits
  • Medications: Antibiotics (particularly penicillin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain anaesthetics
  • Insect stings: Bee, wasp, hornet, and fire ant venom
  • Latex: Found in medical gloves, balloons, and some healthcare products
  • Exercise: Either alone or in combination with certain foods (exercise-induced anaphylaxis)
With proper management, all types can be effectively controlled.

Less common triggers include:

  • Blood products
  • Vaccines (very rare)
  • Environmental allergens
  • Some food additives
Our specialists can help identify your specific triggers through detailed history-taking and appropriate testing.

Impact on daily life

Living with the risk of anaphylaxis can affect many aspects of daily life, creating challenges that extend beyond the physical symptoms.
For children:
  • Anxiety about potential exposure at school, parties, or restaurants
  • Challenges in social situations involving food
  • Feeling different from peers due to necessary precautions
  • Parents' concerns about childcare, school management, and social inclusion
For adults:
  • Worry about accidental exposure in various environments
  • Planning needed for travel, dining out, or social events
  • Workplace considerations and accommodations
  • Emotional burden of constant vigilance
  • Potential impact on relationships and social activities

When to seek specialist care

While your GP can provide initial guidance, our specialist care is recommended if you or your child:
  • Has experienced a previous anaphylactic reaction
  • Has allergies to high-risk triggers (nuts, shellfish, medications, bee stings)
  • Needs help managing allergies in different environments (school, work, travel)
  • Requires comprehensive allergy testing or treatment options
  • Wants to explore immunotherapy possibilities
We offer specific support for children transitioning through school years and adults managing allergies in workplace settings, during pregnancy, or alongside other medical conditions.
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How we can help

We provide comprehensive care for anaphylaxis through advanced diagnostics and personalised management plans designed to keep you safe while minimising disruption to your daily life.
Comprehensive assessment
Our specialists begin with a thorough evaluation that includes:
Detailed medical history focused on previous reactions
Comprehensive allergy testing to identify specific triggers
Risk assessment for future reactions
Evaluation of current emergency preparedness
Review of lifestyle factors and exposure risks
Personalised anaphylaxis management
Drawing on Professor Lack's pioneering research, we develop tailored plans that include:
Emergency action plans customised to your specific needs
Adrenaline auto-injector training for you and your family
Educational resources on trigger avoidance
Strategies for managing allergies in different environments
Consideration of immunotherapy where appropriate
Practical management strategies
For adults, we provide a variety of management strategies including ones for navigating the workplace, travel guidance and documentation, coping with restaurant and social situations, advice on reducing allergen exposure, partner and family education resources, and guidance on dealing with symptoms during high-risk periods

For children, we develop school-friendly emergency plans, teacher and school nurse coordination, age-appropriate allergy education, support for parents and caregivers, as well as offer transitional care as children mature.

Why choose us for anaphylaxis care?

Led by Professor Gideon Lack, LACK Allergy Clinic is at the forefront of allergy research and treatment. We offer:
World-leading expertise in severe allergies and anaphylaxis
Evidence-based approach grounded in cutting-edge research
Compassionate care that acknowledges both physical and emotional impacts
Personalised management plans tailored to your lifestyle
Support for the whole family in managing anaphylaxis risk
Coordination with schools, workplaces, and other healthcare providers
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Eczema
“As far as our family is concerned, Professor Lack is a miracle worker. We trust his advice implicitly and are very lucky to have him as our daughter’s specialist.”
Eczema
28th Sept 2024
Eczema
verified patient

Pioneering research, personalised care

Our approach combines groundbreaking research with personalised care. Professor Lack's work has influenced allergy treatment protocols worldwide, ensuring you receive the most effective, up-to-date care available.
More About the LACK Clinic

Your questions answered

Can anaphylaxis be cured?
While anaphylaxis itself cannot be cured, its risk can be effectively managed. Avoiding known triggers is the primary approach, supplemented by carrying emergency medication and following a clear action plan. For some allergens, immunotherapy may reduce sensitivity over time, potentially decreasing the risk of severe reactions. Our team provides comprehensive management strategies to help you live confidently despite anaphylaxis risk.
How is anaphylaxis diagnosed?
Anaphylaxis is primarily diagnosed through a detailed clinical history of symptoms following exposure to potential triggers. While skin prick tests and blood tests can help identify specific allergic sensitivities, they cannot predict the severity of future reactions. Our specialists combine your reaction history with appropriate testing to develop a complete picture of your anaphylaxis risk and create a personalised management plan.
What's the difference between an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis?
Allergic reactions exist on a spectrum of severity. Mild to moderate allergic reactions typically affect only one body system (such as hives on the skin or sneezing) and resolve with minimal treatment. Anaphylaxis is distinguished by its rapid onset, severity, and involvement of multiple body systems simultaneously. It often includes breathing difficulties, cardiovascular symptoms, and potentially life-threatening changes in blood pressure, requiring immediate medical intervention with adrenaline.
How quickly does anaphylaxis develop?

Anaphylaxis typically develops rapidly, within minutes of exposure to a trigger. However, the onset can vary:

  • Whether an auto-injector is recommended.
  • How many devices to carry.
  • When and how to use your device.
  • Training for you, family members, and caregivers.
  • When to replace expired devices.

The unpredictable timing of anaphylaxis underscores the importance of early recognition, prompt treatment, and ongoing monitoring even after initial symptoms resolve.

Should I carry an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen)?

If you or your child has been diagnosed with anaphylaxis or is at high risk, carrying an adrenaline auto-injector (such as EpiPen, Jext, or Emerade) is essential. Our specialists will assess your individual risk factors and provide clear guidance on:

  • Most reactions begin within 5-30 minutes of exposure.
  • Some reactions may develop more gradually over 1-2 hours.
  • Delayed reactions can occur hours later (though this is less common).
  • Biphasic reactions involve symptoms that resolve and then return after 1-72 hours.

We believe in empowering our patients with both the tools and knowledge needed to manage potential emergencies confidently.

Can children outgrow allergies that cause anaphylaxis?
Some children do outgrow allergies that have previously caused anaphylactic reactions, particularly to milk, egg, and soy. However, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, and seafood typically persist into adulthood. Regular assessment by our specialists can track changes in your child's allergies over time. This monitoring may include carefully supervised food challenges when appropriate to determine if sensitivity has decreased, potentially allowing for adjustment of management strategies.

Ready to take control of anaphylaxis risk?

Our specialist team can help you develop a comprehensive management plan for anaphylaxis. Whether you're seeking initial diagnosis or looking to update your current approach, we're here to provide the expert care you need.
Speak to our Team
London Medical 

49 Marylebone High St.
The Portland Hospital 

215 Great Portland Street 

07493 280048 
/ 07765 977819
admin@londonallergy.com
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