*Anaphylaxis

Signs and symptoms

A blotchy rash, hives or flushing

Swelling of the tongue or throat, or face

Difficulty swallowing or speaking

Changes to voice 

Wheezing, a persistent cough or severe asthma attack

Difficult or noisy breathing (stridor or a tightness in chest)

Stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhoea

Feeling dizzy, light-headed fainting or collapsing

Feeling weak, pale, or sweaty

A sense of impending doom or severe anxiety

A rapid heartbeat, palpitations, or low blood pressure

Anaphylaxis  can affect more than one body system so you don’t need all symptoms to suspect it.  

Treatment of Anaphylaxis

• Stay calm — this helps reassure the child and helps you make clearer decisions
• Call 999 for an ambulance and say that the child has anaphylaxis
• Give adrenaline straight away
• Assist the child to use their auto-injector, if they are able to
• Ensure they are lying down, unless there are breathing difficulties, in which case they may sit up with their legs extended
• If symptoms persist five minutes after the first dose of adrenaline, give a second dose, ideally in the opposite leg
• If they become unresponsive, check airway and breathing; start CPR if needed
• DO NOT stand the child up once they are lying down.This can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can lead to cardiac arrest