Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
Learn about the symptoms and the steps to follow when someone has a severe allergic reaction.
Learn about the symptoms and the steps to follow when someone has a severe allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction occurs when a person’s immune system treats a protein (an allergen) as harmful. Some children with food allergy are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction is very serious. It is also called anaphylaxis (an-nah-fil-axe-is). It often happens quickly and can cause death if not treated.
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, can start within minutes of eating or being exposed to an allergen. In some cases, the reaction can take up to several hours.
Symptoms can vary from person to person. The same person can have different symptoms each time they have a severe allergic reaction. An anaphylactic reaction can take place without hives, so look out for any of the signs of a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include any of the following:
A severe allergic reaction can be life threatening. It is important to respond quickly and follow these emergency steps:
Food can be an allergen for many people. Whether you or someone in your care has a food allergy, making food choices can be challenging. See our Food Allergies page to learn about healthy food choices for you and your family while managing food allergies.
Our HealthLinkBC Files provide information on recognizing and responding to severe food allergies in children and teens. You will also find tips on how to help your child stay safe:
For information and resources to reduce a baby’s risk of developing food allergy, see:
For information about food allergies and adults living in care facilities, see:
The BC Government provides safety planning resources for severe allergic reactions in schools. Learn about promoting awareness, developing policies and creating safety plans in schools.
Food Allergy Canada provides allergy information to educate, support and advocate for the needs of people living with food allergy. They support and take part in research related to food allergy and anaphylaxis. For more information on responding to a severe allergic reaction see:
Health Canada provides information on how to avoid allergic reactions and staying prepared. For resources on common allergens see:
The Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology supports allergy and clinical immunology research. The Society provides information about common allergies that affect students in schools. You will find sample policies and emergency plans to help individuals, schools and organizations develop effective management strategies:
Last Reviewed: December 21, 2018
The information provided in the Severe Allergic Reaction Health Feature is adapted from the Anaphylaxis in Schools and Other Settings, Copyright 2005-2016 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Information about EpiPen® is adapted from Information Update - Shortage of EpiPen (0.3 mg) and EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg) auto-injectors in Canada, Government of Canada, accessed December 12, 2018.