Gulf Coast Family

by Elizabeth Rincon, MD, FAAP, After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that may occur when you come into contact with something you are allergic to. It affects two or more parts of the body at once, including the skin, mouth, stomach, lungs or heart. The early symptoms of anaphylaxis may include red and flushed skin; itchiness; hives; and swollen lips, tongue and eyelids.

Life threatening symptoms include difficulty swallowing and breathing. Other less threatening symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, dizziness or fainting, seizures, and eye and nose congestion.

The time from exposure to the onset of symptoms can vary from minutes to hours; however, the majority of reactions occur within one hour. A small percentage of patients may experience recurrence of symptoms several hours after the initial reaction.

The most common agents that cause anaphylaxis are drugs (especially antibiotics, seizure medications, muscle relaxants and aspirin); insect venom (such as bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants); foods (especially peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk and eggs); and latex (which can be found in household items from elastic waistbands to kitchen gloves).

Anyone can develop a severe allergic reaction; however, people with a history of allergies, asthma or eczema are at a greater risk for anaphylaxis than others. Someone who has had anaphylactic symptoms at least once is more likely to have another anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylaxis requires emergency medical attention: if your child is having a severe allergic reaction, call 911.

• If your child has stopped breathing or if his/her heart has stopped beating, give CPR until the child is breathing and has a pulse or until the paramedics arrive.

• If your child is conscious and breathing, make sure your child is lying down comfortably with his/her legs above chest level to increase blood flow to the heart and brain.

• If your child is vomiting, he/she needs to be on their side to prevent choking.

When the paramedics arrive they may administer a shot of epinephrine right away: this is the key to prevent serious problems from anaphylaxis, including death. If your child has an epinephrine auto-injector, be sure teachers and caregivers know how to use it. Parents should also take the following precautions:

• Teach children about their symptoms and medications, and when to ask for help.

• Tell your healthcare provider about all past allergic reactions your child has experienced.

• Avoid foods, drugs and other agents that have caused allergic reactions.

• Place a bracelet or necklace on your child that warns of his/her allergies.