Imagine your child suddenly eating something or getting bitten by an insect and their whole body turns red, swollen, and they have difficulty breathing. Words cannot describe the fear and anxiety that a mother or father feels at that time, can they? Some people are afraid to even get an injection that is supposed to be given immediately for such a severe allergy, and their limbs tremble. But now the world is talking about a new, very easy solution to this. That is a medicine that can be sprayed into the nose without a needle and can save a life. Let's talk about it all today.
Let's first see, what is this severe allergy?
Simply put, an allergy is when our body's immune system reacts excessively and violently to something that is actually harmless. It's like a large army attacking a small enemy. The things that can cause this reaction are called `triggers`.
- Foods: Peanuts, cashews, milk, eggs, shrimp, squid, etc.
- Insect bites: Wasp and hornet bites.
- Medications : Some painkillers or antibiotics.
When something like this enters the body, some people may just get a little hurt and just cry. But for some children, this can be very severe. It can be life-threatening within minutes. In medical terms, we call this anaphylaxis .
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. It is a sudden drop in blood pressure, swelling of the airways, and difficulty breathing. This is very dangerous.
The medicine that should be given immediately in such a situation is epinephrine . This is what is contained in the injection pens (` auto-injectors` ) used in emergencies. This medicine quickly restores blood pressure, opens swollen airways, and makes breathing easier.
So what is this new nasal spray?
This is the good news. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a new nasal spray called ``Neffy.'' It contains the same drug called epinephrine as mentioned earlier. But the difference is, instead of struggling to give a child an injection during a panic attack, you only have to spray it into the nose once.
Previously, these needle-free options were only available to adults and overweight children. Younger children had to use the same injection pen. It was a very scary experience for both children and parents. But now this newly approved `Neffy` 1mg dose can be used in children over 4 years of age and underweight children. This greatly reduces the risks of delayed treatment in emergencies and the risk of giving the wrong injection in a panic.
What are the main benefits of this spray?
Let's clearly see what the advantages of this new system are.
| Advantage | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| No needles. | The child's fear and pain at the sight of a needle are completely eliminated. Parents can also give this without any fear or hesitation. |
| Very easy to use | You only have to spray it once, placing it on one side of your nose. It doesn't require much training. Even teachers and relatives can use it in an emergency. |
| Instant action | Research has proven that this spray works just as quickly and effectively as an injection. |
| More security | This eliminates the risk of accidentally inserting the needle into the wrong part of the body or misplacing it during a panic attack. Delays in providing treatment are also reduced. |
What are the things to be careful about when using this?
As with any medication, there are a few things we need to be aware of when using this one. Minor side effects may occur.
- Nasal discomfort or inflammation
- Nosebleed
- Sneezing
- Dry nose or throat
- Mucus discharge
- Nausea , vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness, anxiety
Most of these are temporary, but here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Always keep two sprays handy: Sometimes a single dose may not control the allergy. Or the symptoms may reappear after a while. Therefore, a second dose may be required.
2. The second dose is given in the same nostril as the first dose: This is a manufacturer's recommendation. So do not switch nostrils.
3. Inform your doctor: If your child has any nasal problems (such as frequent colds, blocked nose), heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, etc., you should definitely tell your doctor about it. Also, tell your child about any other medications he or she is taking. Because some medications can affect the effectiveness of this spray.
What should I do if my child suddenly has a severe allergy?
This is the most important part. Don't panic. Follow these steps.
- First of all, stay calm. If you get nervous, the child will be even more scared.
- Give the `Neffy` spray immediately. Don't wait for the symptoms to worsen.
- Have the child lie down on the floor. If possible, elevate the legs slightly.
- Call 1990 Ambulance Service immediately or take the child to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is mandatory. `Neffy` is only a life-saving first aid. It is not a complete treatment. The child must be examined by a doctor.
- If symptoms do not improve or recur while you are in the hospital or receiving medical advice, be prepared to administer a second dose.
Take-Home Message
- `Neffy` is a newly introduced, needle-free nasal spray for severe allergies (anaphylaxis).
- This works as effectively and quickly as an injection, and is very easy for children and parents to use.
- If your child has severe allergies, talk to your doctor about this new treatment. The doctor will decide what is best for your child.
- Even if this spray is used in an emergency, it is imperative to immediately take the child to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- Although this medicine is not currently in use in Sri Lanka, it has the potential to reach our country in the future. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of such modern medical methods.
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