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Do any mums have kids with anaphylaxis? How do they cope, and do they have any tips they could share.

Posted by anon, 29/7/13

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  • Call 911 or emergency medical help.
    Use an epinephrine autoinjector, if available, by pressing it into the person’s thigh.
    Make sure the person is lying down and elevate the legs.
    Check the person’s pulse and breathing and, if necessary, administer CPR or other first-aid measures


  • I worked with a lady who had to carry an epi pen due to being allergic to bull ant bites. It was a bit alarming as she told me it was out of date and she didn’t know where it was. A bite could kill her, why is she risking her life?!


  • educate everyone around you, its so importnat


  • Don’t stress. Be cautious but let them be part of the decision too once they are old enough. My son was diagnosed at two, and is now 23yo. Back then, I had an ampoule and a syringe my doctor gave me illegally as he was so severe, and I could save his life!! Now epipens are so easy to use. Just remember that adrenalin makes them absolutely hyper and can make them volatile for a bit. Nick never had any aids at school, or special treatment. I think some parents are a little too precious with their kids. And expect everyone else to make allowances for their kid. Nick new not to take food from others, and still is so vigilant checking labels and eating out he asks the chef or waiter to be careful as his reaction is so severe. Live life and take it in your stride. All the best K


  • Always have an epipen.. And be very cautious of packaged foods. If necessary,cook everything yourself.


  • educate them very early on what they can and cant come into contact with, make sure they know how to use their epi pen


  • It is a very serous and life threatens condition. You should seek medical advice and always carry and epi pen


  • with anaphylaxis you must go to the emergency.


  • I hope you found the answer with so many valuable tips Good luck


  • I have a daughter who is anaphylaxis and it’s scarey. I struggle with the school as I do not think they are capable enough. I prepare my own food as I know what is going into it! I am lucky my daughter is very aware and even questions me sometimes!


  • If its a food allergy and they need separately prepared food, for parties make sure you liaise with the parents holding the party and prepare a cake/cupcake/etc that looks exactly the same as the other children’s.


  • yes nuts would be terrifying.


  • That’s really scary A-Edwards! I would be making a lot of noise and drilling it into them just how serious it is!


  • Lots of great suggestions here, I don’t have anything to add really, but make sure she/he has an allergy bracelet.


  • Damn hard. My daughter is anaphylaxis to nuts. The school and teachers r really incompetent and it’s driving me mad. On a number of occasions I have to notify relief teachers of this and they do not have a good handover system. I have recently made the principal very aware. Lucky I did. They can start to realize they r not doing the right thing. The hardest thing is leaving her at school knowing they r so incapable.


  • You must be very very cautious for the safety of your child and inform school if at school or relevant people. Also make sure you have the epipen a all times


  • Best of luck :-)


  • Kids with severe allergies can be at risk for a sudden, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This reaction can be frightening — a child may feel like his or her throat is closing or might faint, for example.

    But the good news is that when treated properly, anaphylaxis can be managed.

    Anaphylaxis isn’t common, but some kids with allergies are more at risk for it. So if your child has allergies, it’s important to know about it and be prepared.

    Signs of Anaphylaxis

    Serious Allergic ReactionsAs with other allergies, anaphylaxis can trigger symptoms in any of these four body systems:
    1.skin
    2.gastrointestinal system
    3.respiratory system
    4.cardiovascular system

    An allergic reaction might be a medical emergency if it happens in two or more of these systems — for example, hives on the skin together with stomach pain.

    The most common signs that someone might have anaphylaxis after exposure to an allergen are:
    •difficulty breathing
    •tightness in the throat or feeling like the throat or airways are closing
    •hoarseness or trouble speaking
    •wheezing
    •nasal stuffiness or coughing
    •nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
    •fast heartbeat or pulse
    •skin itching, tingling, redness, or swelling

    Timely Treatment Needed

    Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment. It can get worse very quickly. This is why doctors usually want people with life-threatening allergies to carry a medication called epinephrine. Epinephrine enters the bloodstream and works quickly against serious allergy symptoms; for example, it decreases swelling and raises blood pressure.

    Epinephrine is given as an injection. This isn’t as scary as it sounds, though — there’s no big needle and plunger involved. Instead, doctors will prescribe an auto injector about the size of a large pen that’s easy for parents — and older kids — to carry and use. If your child is prescribed epinephrine, your doctor will show you how to use it.

    Your doctor also might instruct you to give your child over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, too — but they won’t work alone. OTC antihistamines are never a replacement for epinephrine in life-threatening reactions.

    If Your Child Has a Serious Reaction

    If your child shows signs of a serious allergic reaction, call 000 or seek immediate medical care at a hospital emergency room. And if your child has a known allergy and carries epinephrine, take these steps:

    Step 1: Give epinephrine right away. If you are alone with your child, administer this medication first, then call 000. If you are not alone with your child, have someone else call 000 while you administer the medication.

    Step 2: Call 000 or get to the nearest emergency room. After your child receives epinephrine, go to an emergency room immediately. Sometimes a child has a second wave of symptoms (called a biphasic reaction). So the hospital will observe your child for at least 4 hours to be sure he or she is OK and provide additional treatment, if needed.

    Serious allergies can be alarming. But they’re a lot easier to recognize and treat now than in the past, thanks to greater awareness and the availability of epinephrine. Also, make sure that any caregivers, teachers, or coaches know about the allergy and what to do in an emergency.


  • my child has seafood allergies he has an epipen one at school and i carry one in my bag.also i carry a antihistamine as the reaction can be only a slight one sometimes.make sure you know exactly how to use an epi and also your child if old enough,when your out always tell the restaurant about the allergie.


  • For us it’s dairy. Had a few scares & hospital once but never had to use the epipen.
    Make sure you know how to use the epipen.
    I spend many hours each day cooking for him. 1 it’s healthy, & 2 you know exactly what’s in it.
    Good luck, cause sometimes it’s like I’m walking a tight rope


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