HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS HAVING A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION (ANAPHYLAXIS)?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction characterised by difficulty breathing and/or fainting or collapse. Features:
- Difficulty breathing; hoarseness, wheeze, breathlessness, drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fainting, dizziness, loss of consciousness
If your child has any of these symptoms, they require an EpiPen injection. Call 999 immediately and state “child has had an anaphylactic reaction”.
If you are unclear how to use an adrenaline pen, speak to your doctor or allergy nurse. It is important to have regular practical training in emergency administration with a training device. Click here for further information on how to use an adrenaline pen.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, provides allergy action plans for children. Endorsed by Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
NICE Guidelines. Anaphylaxis: assessment to confirm an anaphylactic episode and the decision to refer after emergency treatment for a suspected anaphylactic episode.