I have been reading this thread for a while now, and have had so many questions answered as a result - thank you all. I still have so many questions, but I will control myself and ask only my most pressing question for now.
Some background...
DD (13 months) has a dairy allergy, and suspected others. Her last accidental exposure to milk (wouldn't have been more than 2-3 drops from an 'empty' cup'), resulted in hives, nasal congestion, though runny nose, crying/coughing/gagging, grabbing at tongue, drooling and slightly swollen eyes. No compromised breathing though. I took her to A&E where she was observed. Antihistamines were decided against due to risk of respiratory depression (SIDS sibling), and it eventually resolved itself, though she remained congested the next day. She also gets hives just from skin contact with dairy. We've been referred to a specialist, though still waiting for an appointment.
I'm from Oz, and over here epipens are available without a script (much to the pharmacists surprise). Although DD's allergies haven't caused an anaphylactic reaction, I am always so scared to introduce anything new, in case this changes, or of another accidental exposure, resulting in a worse reaction. As a result, her diet is pretty bland. I don't know how long I will have to wait for an appointment with a specialist, and would really love to be able to expand her diet in the meantime. I realise adrenalin is a serious drug, and wouldn't use it willy-nilly - I just think it would give me the confidence to try new things (within reason), and also to give the (non-drowsy) antihistamines a chance to work, without me feeling I need to rush her to A&E at the first sign of a reaction 'just in case'.
Another thing is, at the moment, I ensure my family don't bring any dairy out of the kitchen, though, in a couple of months, I am starting my own family daycare, and this precaution wont be possible. Although, I consider myself vigilant in not exposing DD to dairy, I know accidents can, and do, happen.
FWIW I'm a nurse, so, although I know things are different when it comes to your own children, I am confident I know enough on when/how to administer without formal training. Cost wise, they're about $100 (approx £60?) without a script, which my pharmacist said he will reimburse if I end up getting a script.
I suppose what I'm really asking I what would you do? I feel I've lost all perspective on what is rational thinking and what's not on this issue.
Sorry for such a long post and TIA