What if your child has an allergy? Let's learn about anaphylaxis!

As a mother or father, you are always worried about your children's health, right? Especially about the various types of allergies that young children have. Sometimes, minor allergies like runny nose, red eyes, and sneezing come up. They are a little uncomfortable, but not a big deal. However, some allergies are very dangerous, meaning they can be life-threatening. So, it is very important that you are fully aware of these severe allergies.

The difference between a normal allergy and a severe allergy

First, let's understand the difference between the two.

If a child has an allergy that usually comes on like a cold (like hay fever), you may see symptoms like these:

• Tears , discharge from the eyes
• Nasal discharge
• Keep sneezing.
• Nasal congestion

Although these symptoms may make the child uncomfortable, this is not a life-threatening condition.

However, sometimes a child can have a very severe, severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis . This is a condition that requires emergency medical treatment. This can often be caused by certain foods, medications, or insect stings.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

In this severe allergy, symptoms usually appear in two or more parts of the body at once. Let's see what these symptoms are. I will explain this in a table for you to understand easily.

What is really happening inside the body at this time?

Imagine, in simple terms, the child's airways narrow and the throat swells. This makes it very difficult to breathe. At the same time, the blood vessels in the body suddenly dilate, and blood pressure drops dangerously.

This reaction is very rapid. Symptoms usually peak within 3 to 30 minutes of exposure to the allergen (e.g., food or medication). Remember, the faster the reaction begins, the more severe it will be.

How do we prepare for a situation like this?

This is the most important part. Not panicking, but being prepared in advance can make a big difference.

1. Emergency Kit

A child who is known to have severe allergies should always have an emergency kit with them. The most important thing in this is a medicine called epinephrine (adrenaline). It comes as an auto-injector (a needle that you can insert into your nose) or as a nasal spray . Your doctor will recommend the one that is best for your child.

2. Know exactly how to use the medicine

It is important that you, your child's school teacher, if he/she is going to class, and anyone else who is taking care of your child know exactly how to use this medicine. If your child is a little older, he/she can also learn to use this on his/her own. Talk to your doctor about this and get advice.

3. Act quickly!

This is the golden rule. As soon as the allergic reaction begins, give the recommended dose of epinephrine without hesitation .

Sometimes more than one dose may be needed. Be prepared to give another dose within 5-15 minutes.

4. Situations that require immediate hospitalization

If the child recovers quickly after receiving epinephrine, emergency treatment may not be necessary. However, the child should be taken to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately in the following cases:

• If the allergic reaction is very severe (e.g. the child loses consciousness, has severe difficulty breathing).
• If symptoms do not subside quickly and completely after taking the medicine.
• If symptoms recur or worsen .

Simply put, if you have even the slightest suspicion, seek medical attention immediately. It's the safest thing to do.

Finally, immediately replace any used medications from your emergency kit. Also, always check the expiration date on each medication.

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