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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 -
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 -
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/
An allergy resource by
An allergy resource by
Anaphylaxis in children
Practical steps for parents and other carers of children at risk of anaphylaxis
Get personalised prompts to help you talk about your child’s allergy and medicines at their next doctor’s appointment
Be ready
Talking to your child’s doctor
A doctor’s appointment can be a chance to talk through any worries and check if your child’s treatment plan needs updating. Answer 10 questions about your child’s allergy to get a personalised anaphylaxis discussion guide that can help you:
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Prepare what to ask
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Talk about any changes
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Review current medicines
Know what to do
Treating
anaphylaxis
Treating
anaphylaxis
If your child is at risk of anaphylaxis, their doctor should prescribe adrenaline and provide an allergy action plan.1,2 Adrenaline is the first-line treatment for serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).1 Your child should always have two in-date adrenaline devices with them.1
As your child grows, ask the doctor if their allergy action plan or prescribed adrenaline needs updating.
If your child is at risk of anaphylaxis, their doctor should prescribe adrenaline and provide an allergy action plan.1,2 Adrenaline is the first-line treatment for serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).1 Your child should always have two in-date adrenaline devices with them.1
As your child grows, ask the doctor if their allergy action plan or prescribed adrenaline needs updating.
Adrenaline
auto-injector
A pen-style device that delivers one dose of adrenaline by injection into the outer thigh.1 Adrenaline helps reduce swelling, open airways and stabilise blood pressure.1
- Can be used through clothing1
- Call 999 after use1
- Practise with a training pen1
1
Adrenaline
nasal spray
A needle-free option that delivers one dose of adrenaline into one nostril.3 Adrenaline helps reduce swelling, open airways and stabilise blood pressure.1
- Can be used with a blocked or congested nose3
- Call 999 after use1
- Practise with a training device2
2
If you suspect anaphylaxis, act fast
- 1 Give adrenaline immediately1
- 2 Call 999 and say “anaphylaxis”1
- 3 Lie your child flat with their legs raised, or prop them up if their breathing is difficult1
- 4 Don’t let your child stand, walk or run1
- 5 No improvement after 5 minutes or symptoms get worse? Give a second dose of adrenaline1
Make sure others know what to do
Download and display the anaphylaxis poster where it’s easy to see, so everyone who looks after your child can follow the emergency steps
Bring others on board
Create a safety net wherever
your child goes
When your child is in someone else's care, make sure they know what to do in an emergency
Share your child’s allergy action plan
Explain how to recognise anaphylaxis
Show where the adrenaline devices are and how to use them
Make sure they know when to give adrenaline and call 999
How to spot the signs of anaphylaxis
Severe allergic reactions don't follow rules. Symptoms can appear in any combination and may start within minutes or a few hours after your child comes into contact with their allergy trigger.1,2
- Hoarse voice or difficulty swallowing1
- Confusion, collapse or loss of consciousness1
- Swelling of the face, lips or eyes1
- Sudden wheezing, noisy breathing or persistent cough1
- Swelling in the throat, tongue or upper airways1
- Itchy rash, redness or hives anywhere on the body1
- Pale, clammy skin1
Help everyone who looks after your child spot the signs of anaphylaxis and know what to do. Download the poster and share it with your child’s school, sports club or anyone else involved in their care.
Prefer a printed copy? Email us and we’ll send one to you for free
References
GB-EURn-2500132 June 2026