Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis, also called anaphylactic shock, is a severe and sometimes life-threatening reaction to an allergen. (The items that your child is allergic to are called allergens.) Call 911, this is an emergency. The reaction to the allergen can occur seconds to as long as an hour after the exposure. It is necessary to have come in contact with the allergen at a previous time for sensitization to occur.
What causes anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is caused by exposure to an allergen. The type of allergen may be different for every child. Some of the most common causes include the following:
Medications, such as penicillin
Foods
Dyes used for medical procedures
Allergy injections
Insect stings
Latex
What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?
The following are the most common symptoms of anaphylaxis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Tightness, itching, or swelling of the throat
Hoarseness
Coughing, wheezing, chest pain, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
Swelling or itching of the lips or tongue
Uneasy sensation or agitation
Generalized hives
Severe itching, redness, or swelling of the skin
Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps
Stomach pain
Heart failure
Irregular heartbeats, or a weak pulse
Stuffy or runny nose and/or sneezing
Dizziness or confusion
Fainting or shock
The symptoms of anaphylaxis may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.
What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Your child needs immediate medical attention. Your child's doctor will probably treat him or her with an injection of epinephrine, which will help stop the severe effects caused by the allergen. If your child does have an anaphylactic reaction to an allergen, his or her doctor may instruct you on the use of epinephrine and two doses of this medication should be near your child in case of future episodes. The medication is usually injected into muscles of the outer thigh. A second dose may be needed in 5 to 30 minutes if symptoms are not improving. Discuss this with your child's doctor.
Updated:  
August 19, 2014
Reviewed By:  
MMI board-certified, academically affiliated clinician, Pierce-Smith, Daphne, RN, MSN, CCRC