Anaphylaxis

What is it?

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It generally occurs within minutes of contact with an allergen or, more rarely, 1 to 2 hours later. This reaction occurs when your child’s immune system overreacts to a substance to which they have previously been exposed, known as an “allergen”.

In children aged 0 to 14, food allergies are the main cause of anaphylaxis. However, other factors, such as certain medicines or hymenoptera venom (wasps, bees and hornets) following a sting, can also trigger this reaction.

Anaphylaxis can affect several organs at the same time, and the symptoms vary depending on the severity of the reaction:

  • Skin: skin rashes, itching, hives, Quincke’s oedema (angioedema).
  • Digestive system: vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.
  • Respiratory system: persistent cough, wheezing, breathing difficulties, or even respiratory arrest.
  • Cardiovascular system: feeling faint, drop in blood pressure (hypotension), shock and, in extreme cases, death.
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Care (management)

Managing an anaphylactic reaction is a life-threatening emergency!

  • If you have an emergency kit because of a previous incident:
    • Immediately inject adrenaline using the auto-injector pen.
    • Call 112 and state that your child is probably experiencing “anaphylaxis”.
  • If you do not have an emergency kit or if this is a first incident:
    • Call 112 directly.

Care at the Children’s Hospital:

At the Emergency Department, the assessment will include:

  • A detailed assessment of the incident and your child’s clinical condition.
  • Appropriate treatment.
  • A blood test to measure tryptase.

Follow-up at the allergy clinic:

4 to 6 weeks later, an allergy consultation will include:

  • A detailed account of the incident.
  • Additional tests (skin tests and blood tests) to identify the allergen.
  • Information on avoiding the allergen, recognising the symptoms and the measures to be taken.

An emergency kit, including an adrenaline auto-injector, will be prescribed and its use explained. A written action plan will also be provided and should be shared with your child’s school or caregivers.

Advice

Consider anaphylaxis if, after eating a food, taking a medicine or being stung by an insect, your child:

  • Scratches their hands, feet or head, or develops redness on their body.
  • Has a hoarse voice or feels as though their throat is tightening.
  • Coughs, can no longer breathe or wheezes when breathing.
  • Has stomach pain, vomits or has severe diarrhoea.
  • Feels weak or loses consciousness.
  • Has a tingling or itching sensation in their mouth.
  • Has swollen lips…

Remember to inform the school, the person responsible for extracurricular activities (sports centres, scouts, etc.) and the restaurant you are going to about your child’s allergies.

If symptoms suggestive of anaphylaxis occur, rapid administration of adrenaline is the lifesaving action and must not be delayed. The emergency kit, including the medicines and the treatment plan, must be available at all times, whether at home, at school or while travelling.

Do not hesitate to call 112.

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Our experts

  • Dr Sophie Pohlen
  •  Dr Sabine Rozenberg
  •  Dr Isabelle Jacques
  •  Dr Fabien Carlier