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PhrasesCalling AmbulanceHa una reazione anafilattica!
B2urgent

Ha una reazione anafilattica!

He/she is having an anaphylactic reaction!

Pronunciation

a-na-fi-LAT-ti-ka — six syllables. Stress on fourth. Medical term from Greek.

When to use it

Report severe allergic reaction immediately. If the person has an EpiPen, use it now — do not wait. Then call 118.

What it means

'Reazione anafilattica' = anaphylactic reaction — a life-threatening severe allergy. Signs: 'orticaria diffusa' (widespread hives), 'gonfiore alla gola' (throat swelling), 'difficoltà a respirare' (breathing difficulty), 'perdita di coscienza' (loss of consciousness), 'pressione che cade' (blood pressure dropping). If the person has adrenaline ('adrenalina' / 'EpiPen'), inject it immediately.

Variations

Ha mangiato qualcosa che le fa male. Si gonfia la gola.

She ate something that harms her. Her throat is swelling.

Describe food allergy trigger and throat swelling — classic anaphylaxis

Ha l'adrenalina con sé. Come la uso?

She has adrenaline with her. How do I use it?

The dispatcher will guide EpiPen use — inject into outer thigh

È stata punto da una vespa e non respira.

She was stung by a wasp and is not breathing.

Insect sting anaphylaxis — common in Italy, especially in summer and countryside

Mini Dialogue

— Ha una reazione anafilattica! Ha mangiato delle arachidi per sbaglio e ora si gonfia la gola! — Ha l'adrenalina con sé? — Sì, ha l'EpiPen! — Lo usi subito sulla coscia esterna. Attraverso i vestiti. Tenetelo per dieci secondi. — Fatto! — Bene. L'ambulanza è in arrivo. La stia a guardare. Se perde coscienza, inizi la rianimazione.

— She is having an anaphylactic reaction! She ate some peanuts by mistake and her throat is swelling! — Does she have adrenaline with her? — Yes, she has an EpiPen! — Use it immediately on her outer thigh. Through the clothes. Hold it for ten seconds. — Done! — Good. The ambulance is on the way. Keep watching her. If she loses consciousness, start resuscitation.

Cultural Note

Adrenaline auto-injectors ('EpiPen', 'Jext', 'Emerade') are prescribed by allergists ('allergologi') in Italy to patients with severe allergy history. Italy's SSN reimburses them for diagnosed anaphylaxis patients. Italian schools and sports facilities are increasingly required to keep EpiPens and have trained staff. Law 167/2016 allowed schools to stock EpiPens for emergencies. Food allergy labelling follows EU Regulation 1169/2011 in all Italian restaurants.