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Living with the risk of anaphylaxis

Practical steps to help you talk to a doctor, understand your treatment options, and know what to do in an emergency

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BE READY LIVE YOUR LIFE KNOW WHAT TO DO

BE READY

Talking to a doctor

Regular reviews help make sure everything stays up to date. The anaphylaxis discussion guide can help you:

Prepare what to ask
Talk about your current allergy status and medication
Check if anything needs updating

Anaphylaxis discussion guide

Answer 10 questions and get a personalised discussion guide to help you talk to a doctor

Start here

KNOW WHAT TO DO

Treating anaphylaxis

Adrenaline saves lives in anaphylaxis. It works fast to reduce swelling, open airways and raise blood pressure.¹ Your doctor should prescribe two adrenaline devices.¹ Make sure you always have both with you.¹

Nasal adrenaline
spray

A needle-free option that delivers one dose of adrenaline into one nostril². It can be used even if your nose is blocked or congested.²

Insert the nozzle into one nostril and press the plunger¹
Call 999 immediately after use¹
Practise using a training device¹

1

Adrenaline
auto-injector

A device that delivers a single dose of adrenaline by injection. Can be used through clothing.¹

Press the tip firmly into the outer thigh to inject¹
Call 999 immediately after use¹
Practise using a training device¹

2

LIVE YOUR LIFE

Time to rethink your anaphylaxis treatment?

There are many things in life you don't have to stick with. Even how you manage anaphylaxis. Talk to your doctor about your options.

Things we stick with

Haircuts by mum

35 sec

Things we stick with

Skinny jeans

26 sec

You can still do the things you love

Things that other people take for granted can feel worrying when you're at risk of anaphylaxis. But a few simple steps can help

Spending time outdoors Always take your adrenaline devices and make sure anyone with you knows how to use them.¹

Travelling Have two adrenaline devices in your hand luggage and tell the airline and your travel companions about your allergy^1,3

Eating out Let the waiting staff know about any food allergy and ask about ingredients and cross-contamination risks⁴

Spending time outdoors Always take your adrenaline devices and make sure anyone with you knows how to use them.¹

Travelling Have two adrenaline devices in your hand luggage and tell the airline and your travel companions about your allergy^1,3

Eating out Let the waiting staff know about any food allergy and ask about ingredients and cross-contamination risks⁴

KNOW WHAT TO DO

If you suspect anaphylaxis, act fast

1.

Use your adrenaline device immediately¹

2.

Call 999 and say „Anaphylaxis“¹

3.

Lie down with your legs raised. If you’re struggling to breathe, sit up slowly¹

4.

No improvement after 5 minutes or symptoms get worse? Use your second adrenaline device¹

5.

Do not stand or walk, even if you feel better¹

References

Anaphylaxis UK. Adrenaline. Factsheet. Document reference: ACFS25. Publication date: April 2025. Next review date: April 2028. Available at:
https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Adrenaline-Factsheet-v15-neffy-update-25-1.pdf
Anaphylaxis UK. EURneffy® nasal adrenaline spray approved by MHRA: first needle-free option for anaphylaxis treatment in the UK. Published 24 July 2025. Available at:
https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/nasal-adrenaline-spray-approved-uk/
Anaphylaxis UK. Travelling with serious allergies. Available at:
https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-serious-allergies/travelling-with-serious-allergies/
Anaphylaxis UK. Eating out. Available at:
https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-serious-allergies/eating-out/
Resuscitation Council UK. Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis: Guidelines for healthcare providers. May 2021. Available at:
https://www.resus.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-05/Emergency%20Treatment%20of%20Anaphylaxis%20May%202021_0.pdf

Living with the risk of anaphylaxis