Anaphylaxis in Children A Parent’s Guide to Preparedness

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. An allergen is something that your child is allergic to, such as certain foods, medications, insect stings, or latex. Anaphylaxis can affect different parts of the body, such as the skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal system.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms such as:

Hives, itching, flushing, and swelling of the skin
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, choking, and hoarseness
Low blood pressure, fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain, and fainting
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
Anxiety, confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness

What to do if your child has an episode of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with an injection of adrenaline (also known as epinephrine). Adrenaline is a hormone that helps reverse the effects of the allergic reaction by opening the airways, improving blood pressure, and reducing swelling. Adrenaline can be given by using an auto-injector device that delivers a pre-measured dose into the thigh muscle. If your child has been diagnosed with anaphylaxis or is at risk of developing it, you should always carry two auto-injectors with you and know how to use them.

If your child has signs of anaphylaxis, you should follow these steps:

Call 911 or your local emergency number and tell them your child is having anaphylaxis
Give your child the first dose of adrenaline as soon as possible. Note down the time of injection.
Lay your child down with their legs raised if they are not vomiting or having trouble breathing
If there is no improvement or symptoms get worse after 5 minutes, give the second dose of adrenaline. Note down the time of second injection and state that it is the second dose.
Stay with your child until help arrives and monitor their breathing and pulse
Tell the paramedics or doctors what triggered the reaction and when you gave the adrenaline

Prevention of Anaphylaxis

The best way to prevent anaphylaxis is to avoid the allergens that trigger it. However, this may not always be possible or easy. Therefore, you should also take these steps to prepare for a possible reaction:

Educate yourself and your child about anaphylaxis and its causes
Have an anaphylaxis action plan that outlines the symptoms, treatment, and emergency contacts
Review the action plan with your child's doctor, school staff, family members, and caregivers
Teach your child how to recognize and avoid their allergens and how to use their auto-injector
Check the expiry dates of your child's auto-injectors and replace them when needed
Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that identifies your child's allergies
Seek follow-up care from an allergist who can help identify the cause of the reaction and provide advice on management

Conclusion

Anaphylaxis can be scary and stressful for both you and your child. However, by being informed, prepared, and proactive, you can help reduce the risk of a serious reaction and ensure a quick and effective response if one occurs.

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