Conditions
Allergic reaction triage
Primary care triage for allergic reactions with immediate recognition of anaphylaxis risk and escalation triggers.
Last reviewed 2026-02-07|allergy | anaphylaxis | triage
Assessment priorities
- Determine trigger exposure timing, symptom pattern, and airway involvement.
- Assess breathing, circulation, skin/mucosal findings, and GI symptoms rapidly.
- Clarify prior anaphylaxis history and epinephrine access.
Red flags
- Airway compromise, respiratory distress, hypotension, or multisystem progression.
- Rapid symptom escalation after likely allergen exposure.
- Refractory symptoms or biphasic reaction concern after initial stabilization.
Initial management
- Treat possible anaphylaxis as a time-critical emergency pathway.
- For non-severe reactions, provide symptom control with close observation strategy.
- Document clear trigger-avoidance and emergency action instructions.
Follow-up and escalation
- Reassess for delayed deterioration and ensure reliable observation plan.
- Escalate immediately for any airway, breathing, or circulation deterioration.
- Arrange allergy-focused follow-up for trigger confirmation and prevention planning.