Anaphlyaxis - advice please

[ishopthereforeiam]

DD has a nut allergy and my "D"M (read self absorbed M) gave her nuts recently. Hives started on her face, chest spread to arms legs, all over. Eyes were swollen, lips a bit swollen, she was coughing and oxygen levels low. Ambulance was quick and once in A&E she recovered quickly. I'm shell shocked by the whole experience as the deterioration rate was rapid. I was advised to use the epipen before the paramedics arrived but bottled it for fear of hurting her more with the injection as she could (then) still breathe.

In hindsight I should have used the epipen but how do you know when to use it? Is it when teh hives start or do you wait for swelling?

Tia

[NerrSnerr]

If in doubt use it. You want to be using it before she stops breathing. There will be more harm if it isn't used when needed than vice versa.

[ishopthereforeiam]

Thanks Nerr -

How long should it take for her to return to "normal". The rash / hives were epic and even 3 days later she says she is still itching on her arm. I've been giving anti histamines. The skin still has raised bumps where teh rash was a little like what I'd imagine post chicken pox skin to be like?

[WhereismydamnCcup]

The poor thing. How terrifying. May take a few more days to settle. If it's still quite bad your GP may be able to give a few days of steroid tablets.

I second PP- if in doubt, jab. And sooner rather than later. Also, be sure to keep an eye on the expiry date for the epi pen as they expire relatively quickly.

[ishopthereforeiam]

Thanks - Whereis

She had steroids for a couple of days. I'll see how she is tomorrow then
get it checked by GP.

Luckily(!>?) we have annual allergy testing and they redo her emergency care plan and epipen prescriptions each time.

It's the first time she's had such a severe reaction.

[rogueelement]

How scary. I'll second what everyone else said - do it sooner, absolutely. it won't harm her.

Plus ask for training on how to use the epipen ideally from your clinic. I shook so badly the first time my daughter had a bad reaction, all memory of what to do went out the window. Luckily my husband did it. It reversed things amazingly quickly - we were scared of using until then, but no more.

[Delphine31]

I have a severe nut allergy. I use my Epipen the moment itchy lips progresses to swelling around/in my mouth.

If in doubt, just use the Epipen. I've never suffered as a result of using it and in a way it's good to use it occasionally to get used to doing it.

I'm now very mind over matter about it having been using it myself since age of 16, and just get on and do it.

How old is your DD?

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Ds has to use one if his mouth, tongue swells . Hives go down with Piriton.

I remember how scary it is, poor you.

[ishopthereforeiam]

Thanks

She's 4yo. We've had more training and we are confident m with the epipen now - dd has also learnt to use it :)