Allergic Reaction
Your child has been diagnosed with an allergic reaction.
We know this can be a stressful time with lots of information from healthcare providers. It can be difficult to absorb everything.
We hope the following pages will be helpful in providing you with the education and resources you need to support your child from home.
What is an allergic reaction?
Allergic reactions occur when your child has a reaction to a substance in the environment (an allergen) that is harmless to most people.
Reactions can be triggered by various allergens, such as foods, medicines, pets, insect stings, dust, and pollen, among other things.
A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis.
Click continue to learn more!
Other Resources: AboutKidsHealth - Allergies YouTube Playlist
Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions can cause symptoms throughout the body. Some symptoms are mild, other symptoms are more severe. A combination of two or more mild symptoms may suggest a more severe reaction.
Mild Symptoms
Nervous System
- fussiness
- irritability
Respiratory System
- sneezing
- nasal congestion
- cough
- wheeze (high-pitched sound with breathing out)
Cardiovascular System
- dizziness
Skin
- red rash anywhere on the body
- itchiness
- swelling around the eyes
Digestive System
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
Severe Symptoms
Nervous System
- drowsiness
- lethargy
Respiratory System
- rapid breathing
- difficulty breathing
- hoarse voice
- trouble swallowing
Cardiovascular System
- fainting
- pale skin
- cyanosis (blue lips/fingernails)
Skin
- swelling involving lips or tongue
Hospital Care
If you have been seen by a medical professional, they may have treated your child with medications. Click below to learn more about these medications.
A. Antihistamines
These medications can help with allergic symptoms by
blocking histamine, a chemical released by the body in
response to contact with an allergen. Histamine is
responsible for many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction
such as itching and swelling.
Examples of antihistamines include diphenhydramine (commonly
known as Benadryl) and other long-acting versions such as
cetirizine (commonly known as Reactine) or loratidine
(commonly known as Claritin).
B. Inhalers
If you child's allergic reaction included respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, your healthcare provider may have treated with inhalers. Most commonly, these are a type of medication called 'bronchodilators' that act quickly to relieve symptoms of cough or wheeze.
C. Steroids
Your child may have been treated with and received a prescription for an oral steroid for 2 to 3 days to reduce mild symptoms. Use as directed by your child’s physician.
D. Epinephrine
Epinephrine is a medication used to treat severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is usually given intramuscularly (into the muscle) and acts rapidly to relieve the symptoms of anaphylaxis. In some cases, multiple doses may be required.
What to do at home
Click below for information on ways to help at home.
Prevention
Remove or avoid any potential triggers for your child's reaction wherever possible. For example, avoid suspected foods and always inquire about the content of foods when eating outside the home. If stung by an insect, flick the stinger out if able.
Our emergency department may have referred you to an allergist if you do not already have one.
Track your symptoms
Track symptoms by writing them down including: description of the symptom, when it started, how severe and frequent it is, any changes or other details you find important.
Keep track of possible triggers for your child’s symptoms, such as foods, animals/pets, detergents, soaps/shampoos as well as where the reaction happened (home, school, restaurant, park).
Keep track of any medications given and whether they helped. Bring this information to your follow-up visit with your healthcare provider.
Antihistamines
These medications may help with mild allergic symptoms like rash, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Depending on your child's age, your provider may advise use of a long-acting antihistamine. These are generally preferred as they are long-acting and non-sedating. Use as directed by your child’s physician or pharmacist.
Epinephrine
Your physician may have provided a prescription for an
EpiPen. Use as directed by your child’s physician. In
general, this should be used if your child is having
symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (see the Symptoms
page).
See the following video for instructions on how to properly
use an EpiPen:
Parkview Health - How to use an EpiPen
When to seek medical attention
Here are some signs that, if present, should lead you to seek immediate medical attention for your child:
- difficulty breathing
- fast or laboured breathing
- tightness in the throat
- feeling lightheaded or fainting, especially after an exposure to a suspected or known allergen
- excessively sleepy, lethargic, or not responsive child
- combination of two or more of repeated vomiting, spreading rash, swelling lips or tongue, repetitive coughing or wheezing
- your child has required the use of their EpiPen
Follow Up
Please follow up in with an allergist as instructed or with your primary care provider. Of course, if you feel your child needs immediate medical attention, please do not hesitate to call 911 or bring them to your closest emergency department.
We hope this has been useful. Thank you for using Paediatrics@home!