Understanding anaphylaxis: A guide for parents

Most parents have one main goal: to keep their kids safe. When there is something out of your control that threatens your child’s safety, it can be scary – and an allergic reaction is one of those things. Keep reading to unpack anaphylaxis along with its causes, symptoms and management strategies if your child is at risk. 

What is anaphylaxis? 

Anaphylaxis is a rapid-onset, life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to severe side effects and death if not treated promptly. Symptoms can vary, but in severe cases, it can cause shock, a condition known as anaphylactic shock. 

Common causes of anaphylaxis 

Anaphylaxis can be triggered by various factors, with the most common being: 

• Foods (e.g., peanuts, shellfish) 
• Stinging insects (e.g., bees, wasps) 
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics) 

In rare cases, the cause of anaphylaxis may remain unknown. 

Anaphylaxis symptoms and onset 

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary but typically include: 

• Hives and/or swelling (especially of the lips and tongue) 
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Reduced blood pressure 

These symptoms usually appear within minutes to a couple hours after exposure to the allergen. In some cases, symptoms can recur 1 to 72 hours after the initial episode, a condition known as biphasic anaphylaxis. 

Immediate actions for parents 

If your child has a history of allergic reactions, always keep an epinephrine autoinjector (like an EpiPen) on hand. In the event of an encounter with an anaphylactic trigger: 

1. Administer epinephrine promptly. 
2. Call 9-1-1. 
3. If symptoms persist or recur, a second dose of epinephrine may be necessary. 
4. Lay your child flat (unless they are vomiting) and raise their legs to improve blood flow. 

Preventing anaphylaxis 

The best way to prevent anaphylaxis is to avoid known triggers. If the trigger is unknown and anaphylaxis occurs repeatedly, consult an allergist about newer medications that can help prevent these reactions. 

Managing anaphylaxis  

For children at risk, the most important step is to see an allergist for testing to identify and confirm the trigger(s). This allows your family to know what you’re working with and how to keep your child safe moving forward. Other key steps to managing anaphylaxis include: 

• Carrying an epinephrine autoinjector at all times. 
• Educating your child, caregivers and educators about avoiding triggers. An anaphylaxis action plan from your child’s allergist can be a helpful tool to communicate your child’s needs to other adults involved in their care. 
• Discussing immunotherapy options with your allergist, which involves controlled exposure to the allergen to reduce the risk of reactions. 

Additional resources: 

Several websites offer valuable information on anaphylaxis: 

• FARE (Food Allergy Research Education) 
• American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 

By staying informed and prepared, you can help ensure your child’s safety and well-being in the face of anaphylaxis.