The ABC Approach To Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe, and potentially fatal allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to allergens such as certain foods, insect stings, medications, or latex. Because of the speed and severity of the reaction, recognising the signs early and taking immediate action is absolutely critical.
That’s where The ABC Approach To Anaphylaxis comes in. This method helps first aiders and bystanders quickly identify life-threatening symptoms and respond effectively. The letters A, B, and C stand for Airway, Breathing, and Consciousness/Circulation.
A – Airway
Always begin by checking the airway. Obstruction of the airway can happen very quickly. Listen for a persistent cough, a hoarse or altered voice, or signs of throat swelling. You may also notice the person struggling to swallow or showing signs of tongue or facial swelling. These symptoms suggest the airway may be narrowing — and you must act immediately.
B – Breathing
Next, evaluate the person’s breathing. Are they gasping for air? Is their breathing noisy or wheezy? These signs indicate respiratory distress. Do not wait to see if it improves. Early breathing difficulty can quickly turn into full respiratory failure. Speed is essential.
C – Consciousness and Circulation
Finally, assess their level of responsiveness. Do they appear light-headed, dizzy, or confused? Are they unusually sleepy or suddenly collapsing? These signs may signal a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Their skin may feel cold and clammy. If the person becomes unresponsive, place them in the recovery position and prepare to perform CPR if necessary.
What To Do
- Lay the person flat and raise their legs to promote circulation.
- Never let them stand or walk, as this can cause sudden collapse.
- If breathing becomes very difficult, allow them to sit slightly upright for comfort.
- Administer the adrenaline auto-injector immediately — don’t delay. Use it on the outer thigh and follow the instructions on the device.
- Call 999 straight away and clearly state, “Anaphylaxis.”
- If there’s no improvement within five minutes, use a second auto-injector in the other leg, if available.
Always remember that anaphylaxis can return even if symptoms initially improve. Because of this, medical observation in hospital is essential. Even if the person looks better, they are not in the clear.
Also keep in mind that not all anaphylaxis cases involve visible rashes or hives. Sometimes, severe reactions occur silently — without any skin symptoms. That’s why you must never ignore breathing difficulty, swelling, or sudden fainting.
By learning The ABC Approach To Anaphylaxis, you can act fast, save lives, and prevent complications. The steps are simple but powerful: check the Airway, monitor Breathing, assess Consciousness and Circulation — then give adrenaline and call for emergency help.