What if your child has a severe allergy (anaphylaxis)? Here's how to prepare without panicking!

It's normal for parents to panic if their child suddenly has a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis in medical terms. But the most important thing is to act quickly and correctly. The best thing we can do is to remember the instructions your doctor or midwife has given you for this type of situation and keep in mind the steps you need to take in case of an emergency. In this article, we'll talk about 5 key ways to be prepared for such a severe allergic reaction.

1. Why is it important to always carry two doses of epinephrine?

If your child's doctor has prescribed epinephrine for use in an emergency, you should make sure that they have two doses of it with them at all times, either with the child or with an adult who will be taking care of the child. Why do we talk about two doses? Simply put, sometimes the first dose may not work properly, or in some severe cases, a second dose may be needed.

Imagine if your child suddenly had a severe allergic reaction while playing at school? At that time, you would need to give epinephrine immediately.

Therefore, if your child is attending school, talk to the school staff and make sure they know where the epinephrine is kept and how the child can get it quickly if needed. Some schools have a separate area for keeping this type of emergency medicine, and it is also worth being aware of that.

2. Let's know the Allergy Action Plan and warning signs exactly!

Your doctor may have given you an "Allergy Action Plan" to follow if your child has an allergy. It's not just a piece of paper, it's a life-saving guide. So refer to that plan regularly and make sure you understand what it says.

It is also essential to know the signs of a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis . These signs can appear suddenly, so we need to be prepared. The main signs are:

• Difficulty breathing: It may feel like you are suffocating or your chest is tightening.
• Rash or skin rash: Red, itchy bumps (hives) may suddenly appear all over the body.
• Swelling: Swelling can occur, especially in the lips, tongue, face, and throat. If the throat swells, it can make it harder to breathe.
• Repeated Vomiting: Continuous vomiting is also a dangerous sign.
• Loss of Consciousness: If the child starts to lose consciousness, it is very serious.
• Wheezing: A whistling sound comes from the chest when breathing.

Now, when should you give epinephrine? The doctor's advice is the most important. In general, if your child has one of the following severe symptoms (for example, difficulty breathing), or two or more of the mild to severe symptoms (for example, vomiting with body aches) , you should give epinephrine immediately. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Inform not only yourself, but also other caregivers (for example, grandparents, teachers) about this.

3. Shall we practice using epinephrine?

It's not enough to just keep the medicine nearby, you also need to know how to use it properly. There's a high chance of mistaking it for something else in a hurry. So practice using it regularly.

• Does it have any caps that need to be removed? Do they need to be twisted?
• Is it an injector or a nasal spray? (Injectors are most commonly used for anaphylaxis).
• Which side does the medicine come out of?
• Where on the body should it be given? (Usually on the back of the thigh).
• How do you want to catch it?

The best way to learn all this is to see your doctor and ask for a demonstration on how to use it. Additionally, if you go to the website of the company that makes epinephrine, there may be detailed instructions, and maybe even videos, on this.

Some manufacturers offer a drug-free trainer device that allows you to practice all of these steps without any risk. This is a great value!

When your child gets a little older, teach him how to use this too. Get him used to it too. Because he might have to do it himself when you're not around.

4. If you have a severe allergy, act without delay!

If your child has a severe allergic reaction at an unexpected time, don't delay even a minute.

1. Give Epinephrine First: Before doing anything else, give the correct dose of Epinephrine without panicking.

2. Call 1990: While you are giving the medicine, tell someone nearby to call the emergency ambulance service (1990 - Suwaseriya) . If you are the only one with the child, first give the epinephrine, then quickly call 1990 and take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

3. Take the used equipment with you: Take the epinephrine injector you used to the hospital. It will be important for the doctors.

Another thing to remember: In some cases of severe anaphylaxis, a second wave of symptoms may occur. This means that you may feel better for a while and then get worse again. If this happens, you may need to give a second dose of epinephrine, as directed by your doctor.

Very important: Many people think that taking an antihistamine (e.g., Piriton) can control a severe allergy like this. That is a misconception! Antihistamines do not control severe, life-threatening symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness). They are not a substitute for epinephrine.

5. How to properly store epinephrine?

This valuable medicine cannot just be left somewhere. It must be stored properly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Be careful about temperature: Do not store epinephrine in a car, in a very hot or very cold place. If the temperature gets too high or too low , the epinephrine in the medication may become less effective. This means that it may not work properly even if you give it when it is needed.
• Check the Expiry Date: Like all medications, this one has an expiration date. It's a good idea to get a new epinephrine kit before that date passes. Set a reminder on your phone or mark it on your calendar.

If you follow these steps correctly, you can successfully cope with even an allergic emergency. The most important thing is to act with awareness and not panic.

The most important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so let's remind you again of the things we've talked about that you need to keep firmly in mind.

• If your child is at risk of severe allergy (anaphylaxis), don't panic and be prepared in advance.
• Always keep two doses of epinephrine with the child or a caregiver.
• Read and understand the Allergy Action Plan carefully. Recognize the symptoms of Anaphylaxis .
• Learn how to use epinephrine. Teach your child how to use it.
• In an emergency , first administer epinephrine and then call 1990.
• Keep in mind that antihistamines are not a substitute for epinephrine .
• Store epinephrine correctly and pay attention to the expiration date.

By doing these things correctly, you are doing a great job for your child's safety. If you have any more questions about this, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or midwife. They will help you.

` Anaphylaxis, Allergy Emergency, Epinephrine, Children's Allergies, Emergency Treatment, Allergy, Wellness