Anaphylaxis: Allergy Awareness, Signs & Emergency Recognition (Canada)

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that develops quickly and requires urgent medical attention. Knowing how to recognize symptoms and when to activate emergency services can help support safer outcomes for people with allergies.

Why awareness matters

Food allergies, insect stings, and medication sensitivities affect Canadians of all ages. Schools, camps, daycares, workplaces, sports programs, and restaurants frequently manage allergy-related safety plans. Early recognition and prompt emergency response play an important role in anaphylaxis.

Scenario

During a family picnic, a teen experienced itching and hives shortly after eating. A caregiver checked their allergy plan, monitored the symptoms, and arranged medical care. Because the allergy was recognized early, the situation was handled calmly.

Causes & triggers

People with allergies may react to:

Certain foods (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, shellfish)
Insect stings
Medications
Latex or other materials

Not all allergic reactions lead to anaphylaxis. Risk is higher for those with a known history of allergies or previous anaphylactic reactions.

Signs & symptoms of anaphylaxis

Symptoms may appear within minutes and can involve multiple body systems, including:

Skin & mucous membranes

Hives
Itching
Swelling (lips, tongue, face, hands)

Respiratory

Coughing
Difficulty swallowing
Tightness in the chest
Trouble breathing
Noisy breathing or wheezing

Gastrointestinal

Nausea or vomiting
Cramping
Diarrhoea

Cardiovascular & neurological

Dizziness or faintness
Weakness
Fast pulse
Low blood pressure
Confusion or reduced alertness

Patterns can vary. Some reactions have an early phase that resolves and later reappears—known as a biphasic reaction.

Emergency recognition

Call emergency services if anaphylaxis is suspected—especially if breathing, circulation, or consciousness is affected. Lay responders mainly focus on:

Staying with the person
Keeping them calm
Monitoring breathing and alertness
Activating emergency services promptly

Schools, workplaces, camps, and sports programs often include anaphylaxis response plans in their safety procedures.

Epinephrine auto-injectors & allergy plans

Many individuals at risk of anaphylaxis are prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., for food allergies or insect stings). These devices are used according to a personalized plan created with a health professional. After use, medical assessment is still recommended.

Families, caregivers, coaches, teachers, and co-workers may learn how to recognize anaphylaxis and follow the individual’s allergy plan.

Prevention & daily management

Prevention strategies often include:

Identifying allergy triggers
Reading ingredient labels
Preventing cross-contact during food preparation
Communicating allergies in social and workplace settings
Carrying prescribed medications
Using medical identification bracelets or cards

Health professionals may use allergy testing to help identify specific triggers and guide avoidance strategies.

FAQ

Can anyone develop anaphylaxis?
Yes, although individuals with known allergies are at higher risk.

Do symptoms always look the same?
No. Symptoms vary and may affect skin, breathing, digestion, or circulation.

Is anaphylaxis rare?
It is less common than mild allergic reactions but taken seriously due to its potential severity.

Do workplaces and schools prepare for anaphylaxis?
Many Canadian schools, camps, and workplaces have allergy protocols and encourage training for recognition and emergency response.

Can anaphylaxis be prevented?
Trigger identification, communication, and avoidance strategies reduce risk for those with diagnosed allergies.

Educational note

This material supports public allergy and first aid awareness. Health professionals can provide personalized testing, prescriptions, and allergy plans based on individual needs.