What Happens After Anaphylaxis? A Guide to the Next Steps

Whether you experienced an anaphylactic reaction yourself or witnessed it in a loved one, the emotional aftermath is real — and normal.

“It’s not just about the person who has the food allergy. It’s about the entire family. It’s the trauma, the stress, the anxiety,” says Reisacher. Here are a few things you can do after anaphylaxis to take care of your emotional well-being.

Validate Your Feelings

After a severe allergic reaction, it’s normal to feel shaken up. Give yourself time to process what happened, and remember that every experience helps you learn and feel more in control next time.

If your child had a reaction, remember that they’ll need space to process, too. “Don’t assume that kids are just resilient,” says Reisacher. “Debrief with them. Have a conversation. See if they can open up and share their feelings.”

And if a tough question comes up that you don’t know the answer to, Dr. Voorhees suggests writing it down and asking the allergist at your next appointment.

Work Through the Guilt

It’s common as a parent to feel guilty after your child has an anaphylactic emergency, even if you responded exactly as you should have, says Voorhees.

She encourages parents to focus on what went well. “It’s human nature to wonder ‘What if?’ But it’s more helpful to recognize how your preparation and quick thinking protected your child,” she says.

Know When to Seek Support

“It’s normal to experience heightened anxiety after an anaphylactic event,” says Voorhees. “But when that anxiety begins to interfere with typical daily activities, it may be a sign that additional support is needed.”

If you notice signs of worsening anxiety — avoiding places or activities, excessive worrying, trouble sleeping or eating — in yourself or your loved one, it may be time to seek support. Voorhees suggests meeting with a mental health professional who understands food allergy–related anxiety.

Reframe the Experience

Every experience — even the scary ones — helps you get stronger and smarter. “It’s a chance to learn,” says Reisacher. “You can go back and ask, ‘What risk did I take that I shouldn’t have? What do I learn from this? How might I apply this episode to help me do better in the future?’”

And remember that allergies are manageable. “You can live a normal life,” he says. “It’s not something that’s going to limit your life, unless you let it.”