Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It can occur in children of all ages, but it is more common in children under the age of 5.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis in children can develop quickly, within minutes or even seconds of exposure to the trigger. They can include:

• Hives or skin rash
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

If you think your child is having an anaphylactic reaction, it is important to seek medical help immediately. The first line of treatment is an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). Epinephrine works to reverse the allergic reaction and prevent further complications.

Here are some things you can do to help your child if they are having an anaphylactic reaction:

• Call emergency.
• Give your child their epinephrine auto-injector if they have one.
• If your child does not have an epinephrine auto-injector, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Keep your child calm and comfortable.
• Monitor your child’s breathing and heart rate.

After your child has been treated for anaphylaxis, they will need to be monitored in the hospital for a few hours. In some cases, they may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.

There are a number of things you can do to prevent anaphylaxis in your child, including:

• Identify your child’s triggers. If you know what triggers your child’s allergic reactions, you can avoid them.
• Carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times. This is a device that delivers a dose of epinephrine in case of an allergic reaction.
• Educate yourself and others about anaphylaxis. The more people know about anaphylaxis, the faster it can be treated.

If your child has had an anaphylactic reaction, it is important to talk to their doctor about how to prevent future reactions. With proper care, your child can manage their allergy and live a normal, active life.

Here are some additional tips for preventing anaphylaxis in children:

• Read food labels carefully and avoid foods that contain your child’s triggers.
• Talk to your child’s doctor about getting allergy testing so you can identify their triggers.
• Teach your child about their allergies and how to avoid their triggers.
• Be prepared for an allergic reaction by carrying an epinephrine auto-injector and knowing how to use it.

If you have any questions or concerns about anaphylaxis in children, please talk to your child’s doctor.