Protecting Your Child From Dangerous Allergies

Anaphylaxis is a serious, whole-body allergic reaction that usually comes on fast. Even if it starts off mild, it can quickly become life threatening. That's why it's important to treat it immediately. If you have prescription epinephrine, use it right away. Then call 911.

Any allergy trigger can cause anaphylaxis, although food is most often to blame. Other triggers are insect stings, medicines such as penicillin, and, less often, latex. Latex can be found in some gloves, balloons, and other items. Knowing your child's triggers can help them avoid it. An allergist can do tests to find out the exact cause and create a treatment plan for your child.

It’s important for you to know when and how to use epinephrine because it can save your child’s life. But you may not always be around when your child has a reaction. If your child is old enough, teach them how to give themselves an epinephrine shot. Show relatives, friends, teachers, and caregivers how to use it, too.

With anaphylaxis, your body reacts in all kinds of ways. You can have swelling, hives, and redness, and even vomiting or diarrhea. You could faint, which could lead to shock. If your airways tighten, you may start to wheeze or have problems breathing. That's why it's important to be prepared and ready to treat it right away.

Don't wait, even if you are not sure the reaction is allergy related! Epinephrine almost always works when it's injected right away and will not hurt them if it’s a false alarm. Anyone who is with you — including teachers and caregivers — should have an injector on hand and know how to use it.

Always call 911 right away after you use an epinephrine shot. Minutes count. Don’t drive your child to a hospital yourself. Even if their symptoms go away, they need emergency care to make sure they don’t return. At the hospital, they may get other medication to open their airways, if they need it.

The best place for your child's auto-injector is with themselves — not locked away somewhere. That way no time is wasted going to get it in an emergency. Have your child wear a medic alert bracelet, too, so that people know they carry epinephrine. Caregivers and teachers should also have a copy of your child's emergency action plan.

Epinephrine doesn’t stay good forever. An expired dose of the drug might not work right. Keep track of the expiration dates on all your child’s injectors, and replace them before they expire. Take old, used, or discolored epinephrine to a doctor’s office or hospital to be thrown away.