How to relieve your hypersensitive child (anaphylaxis)

Anaphylaxis is also called severe allergic reaction (hypersensitivity). It is a serious allergic reaction that requires quick medical attention. The immune system releases excess chemicals (histamines) that cause the body to be hypersensitive. It can occur because of insect bites, stings, or even food. A person known to have allergies and suddenly has difficulty breathing is called an anaphylactic. An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. The immune system reacts to allergens by producing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to protect the body.

What triggers anaphylaxis?

The cause of anaphylaxis is an overreaction of the immune system to a trigger.

These triggers include:

1. Food: nuts, milk, fish, crustaceans such as shellfish, eggs and even some fruits
2. Medicines: some antibiotics, aspirin, penicillin
3. Insect stings and bites: bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants
4. Latex
5. Environmental factors: pollen, dust
6. Food preservatives: FDC yellow №5

Sometimes, the trigger is unknown.

How fast does anaphylaxis manifest in your baby?

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis can appear from a few seconds to a few hours after exposure to your child to the allergen. Mostly, food-induced anaphylaxis happens within 30 minutes, while a severe allergic reaction to an insect occurs in seconds or minutes.

Types of anaphylaxis

There are four (4) types of allergic reactions:

a) Immediate (type I)

Symptoms appear after a few seconds to minutes.

The most severe form of an allergic reaction.

Symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling, low blood pressure, bluish skin, and shock

The immune system responds to allergens by producing IgE antibodies.

b) Cytotoxic (type II)

Symptoms appear after minutes to hours

Immunoglobulin M/ immunoglobulin G antibodies activate the complement system that activates the damaged cells.

c) Immune complex-mediated (type III)

Symptoms set in after several hours.

Allergens combine with immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G to make immuno-complexes.

d) Delayed hypersensitivity (type IV)

Symptoms set in hours to days later.

T cells rather than antibodies mediated it.

Example: nickel allergy

How do I know my baby is experiencing anaphylaxis?

If your baby has anaphylaxis, they will show signs such as

• Persistent cough.
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Noisy breathing.
• Wheezing.
• Dizziness
• Sudden loss of consciousness and may collapse.
• The skin turns pale
• Skin may develop hives or itchy rashes within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen.
• Your baby can also have abdominal pains and may vomit or not.

Can I prevent my child from having anaphylaxis?

The answer is YES. If your baby is hypersensitive to something or has experienced anaphylaxis, it is crucial to prevent any future episodes. You can achieve this by:

1. Identifying the trigger.
2. Avoiding the known trigger, if possible, read food labels if your child is allergic to certain foods.
3. Bring at least two adrenaline auto-injectors with you to help your child in case of anaphylaxis.

How can you help your baby?

According to ASCIA, your child should not walk or stand. Lie your child down flat with their legs raised. If breathing is difficult, allow them to sit with their legs outstretched. If your child is unconscious, place them in a recovery position. Give EPIPEN® Jr (for children aged 1–5) and record the time.

What is an EpiPen?

EpiPen is an auto-injectable device that delivers the drug epinephrine. This medication acts on the whole body to block the progression of the allergic response. It constricts the blood vessels, hence increasing blood pressure. It reduces swelling of the muscles around the airways and causes the lungs to open.

How do you give your child EPIPEN Jr ®?

The American Academy of Pediatrics provides instructions on caring for your child with anaphylaxis. These include:

1: Form a fist around EPIPEN Jr® and pull off the grey safety cap

2: Place the black end against the outer mid-thigh (with or without clothing)

3: Push down hard until you hear a click. Hold it in place for 10 seconds.

4: Remove EPIPEN Jr®, do not touch the needle and massage the injection site for 10 seconds.

When your child doesn’t react to the first EPIPEN Jr®, give a second dose after 5 minutes. Contact emergency services or transport her to a hospital where she will undergo a 4-hour observation period.

Conclusion

Anaphylaxis is no joke, and you need medical help immediately. Knowing what to look for before and during the occurrence could be the difference between life and death. Teach your child to always have an Epi-pen on them to help reduce the symptoms and discomfort of anaphylaxis.