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Anaphylaxis

Guidelines Reviewed

Last updated (30 April 2026)
Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK)

To view anaphylaxis guidelines for first aiders, click the link and open the Medical Emergencies tab: Anaphylaxis Guidelines for First Aiders

To view all anaphylaxis search results including guidance for healthcare professionals click here: Resus Council UK – All search results for Anapahylaxis

Guidelines published 27 October 2025

Anaphylaxis UK

Anaphylaxis UK is a UK-wide charity that provides trusted, evidence-based information, training, and support for people at risk of serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

 

NHS Conditions – Anaphylaxis

NHS guidance on anaphylaxis was last reviewed on 21 June 2023
Next review due: 21 June 2026

St John Ambulance (SJA)

Clinically reviewed: 25/04/2025 

Summary

All sources are consistent on the core protocol:
  • Give adrenaline early
  • Call 999
  • Lie the person flat with legs raised
  • Give a second dose if there is no improvement after 5 minutes.

Information Table

Source Anaphylaxis UK NHS Conditions SJA RCUK Comments

Recognition

Airway – swelling in the throat, tongue or upper airways, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing

This is where the comments go

Breathing – sudden onset wheezing, breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, persistent cough

This is where the comments go

Circulation – dizziness, feeling faint, sudden sleepiness, confusion, pale clammy skin, loss of consciousness or collapse

This is where the comments go

Treatment

Give adrenaline

Call 999

If alone, casualty advised to administer adrenaline and then call 999

Lie the person flat with legs raised

Give a second dose if there is no improvement after 5 minutes

FAQ’s and Resources

What is Eurneffy and how do I order a trainer device?

EURneffy® (also known as Neffy) is a needle-free adrenaline nasal spray approved by the MHRA in July 2025 for emergency treatment of allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in the UK. It is intended for adults and children weighing 30kg or more, offering a non-invasive alternative to auto-injectors.

Key Details 

Usage: It is designed for single-dose administration directly into one nostril, allowing for rapid absorption, with a second dose potentially required if symptoms do not improve.

For further details, go to: Eurneffy.co.uk

Click here to order a trainer device: Eurneffy Trainer Device

Download Allergy Action Plans

BSACI Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) has developed Allergy Action Plans for adults and children at risk of anaphylaxis.

The Allergy Action Plans have been developed with the national allergy patient charities Allergy UK and Anaphylaxis UK.

Click to view and download: BSACI Allergy Action Plans

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