ANAPHYLAXIS
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that often affects many body systems. It comes on quickly and can be fatal. Parents and caregivers should know the side and symptoms of anaphylaxis and what to do in case it happens to their child. Immediate medical attention is important!
Anaphylaxis occurs when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances called allergens. Children with asthma and allergies to certain foods, stinging insects, or medicines have the highest risk, though anaphylaxis may occur in anyone.
Common allergens that can trigger anaphylaxis include:
- Foods- peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs
- Insect stings- bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, fire ants
- Medicines- antibiotics, seizure medicines (however, ANY medicine can cause anaphylaxis, even anti-inflammatory medicines)
- Skin- itching, hives, redness, swelling
- Nose- sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose
- Mouth- itching, swelling of lips or tongue
- Throat- itching, tightness, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness
- Gut- vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
- Chest- shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, chest pain, tightness
- Heart- weak pulse, passing out, shock
- Nervous system- dizziness, fainting, feeling that you are about to die
For anyone experiencing anaphylaxis, epinephrine should be given right away followed by a call to 911 for further treatment and transfer to a hospital.
Epinephrine is the main medicine to treat anaphylaxis. It comes in auto-injector syringes. It is important to know how to use the medicine. Ask your child’s doctor what to do if symptoms do not improve very quickly after a single dose.
Epinephrine should be prescribed for anyone who has ever had an anaphylactic attack and for children at high risk for anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is available in 2 different doses based on the weight of the child. Parents and caregivers should always have at least 2 doses with them when with their child. The best place to inject it is in the muscles of the outer part of the thigh.
Children who are old enough can be taught how to give themselves epinephrine if needed. School-aged children also need one at school with instructions from their doctor about how and when to use it. It is important to share this action plan with anyone who cares for your child.
During a reaction, an oral antihistamine may also be given, but not in place of epinephrine. Also helpful in case of emergency is medical identification jewelry that includes information about your child’s allergy. This should be worn at all times.
Prevention
After an anaphylactic attack, your child needs to be seen by a doctor. Even if the cause seems obvious, there may be other causes. An evaluation by an allergist is often needed. An allergist has specialized training in diagnosing and treating the cause.
In most cases, the only way to prevent an attack form happening again is to avoid the cause. An emergency action plan describing the allergies, symptoms, and treatments is important so that the child and any caregivers know what to do if another attack occurs.
Although children’s allergies are often outgrown, anaphylaxis often lasts for many years or even for life. In the case of anaphylaxis caused by stinging insects, immunotherapy (also called allergy shots) can help prevent anaphylaxis from future stings, but is currently not available for other types of anaphylactic allergies.
For More Information
- Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan ( www.healthychildren.org/anaphylaxisplan )
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology ( www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public )
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology ( www.acaai.org )
- Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network ( www.foodallergy.org )
