RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
AdultsAllergic reaction
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Speak to a pharmacist about a mild, localised itchy rash if there are no emergency signs.
- Arrange a GP appointment if the cause is unclear, reactions keep happening, or treatment is not helping.
- Seek urgent advice today for increasing swelling or spreading symptoms, even if breathing is currently normal. Use the emergency advice below for swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat.
- If emergency treatment has already been given for a severe allergy, follow the hospital discharge plan and arrange the recommended GP or allergy-clinic follow-up.
- For mild symptoms without any of the urgent or emergency warning signs listed here, a community pharmacist can advise on self-care and suitable medicines. Tell them the patient’s age, other medicines and any pregnancy or breastfeeding. They can direct you to another service if needed.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- If you need medical advice and are unsure which service can help, call NHS 111. This includes when your GP is closed or you cannot get the help you need. NHS 111 can direct you to an appropriate local service. You can call even if you are not sure whether symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat.
- A tight throat, difficulty swallowing, wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Sudden faintness, collapse or becoming very drowsy after a possible allergic reaction. A rash may be absent.
- If a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector is available, use it immediately and call 999. If there is no improvement after 5 minutes, use a second injector if available. Do not stand or walk.
- Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
- New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
- Being very difficult to wake.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
Sources
- NHS - Allergic reactionhttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/
- NHS - How pharmacies can helphttps://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/
- NHS - Anaphylaxishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/
- NHS - Sepsishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/
- NHS - When to use NHS 111https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/