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Table 4 Components of an anaphylaxis action plan [6, 18]

From: Anaphylaxis

Contact details

• Names and contact details for emergencies, including family members, allergist/immunologist and family doctor

• Contact details for local emergency or ambulance services

Allergens/Triggers

• Clear identification of allergens/triggers to be avoided

 – Include generic and proprietary names of drugs and possible cross-sensitivities, if relevant

How to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

• Mouth: itching, swelling of lips/tongue

• Throat: itching, tightness, closure, hoarseness

• Skin: itching, hives, eczema, swelling, flushing

• Gut: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

• Lung: shortness of breath, cough, wheeze

• Heart: hypotension, dizziness, syncope, tachycardia

• Neuro (or head): light-headedness

• Other: feeling of impending doom, anxiety

Medications prescribed and when they should be used

• Epinephrine auto-injectors (first-line); should include detailed instructions (with photographs, if possible) on how to correctly administer the auto-injector device (for daycare, school and/or office staff)

• Antihistamines (for cutaneous symptoms)

• Inhaled beta2-agonists (for bronchospasm)

Where medication is stored at home, work or school