Recognising anaphylaxis

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DW has a severe dustmite allergy & has just been given an epipen in case of anaphylactic shock.

I've read the list of possible symptoms on the NHS Choices site (breathing difficulties, rash, dizziness, swelling) but do I assume that she's going into shock if she just has one or two of those? Or is the breathing the main one to watch for? Given that she also has a needle phobia I don't want to inject her unnecessarily.

I'd really appreciate any advice, and thank you.

This is the 'cheat sheet' I knocked for myself, DH and family members after our A&E trip. However, I am not a medical person, so please just treat this in the manner for which it is intended and not for medical advice, etc. etc.

Anaphylaxis - Check combination of:

1. Skin: Itching, hives, rash, swelling ? CHECK UNDER CLOTHES
2. Eyes: Itching, tearing, red, swelling
3. Nose and mouth: Sneezing, runny nose, swelling tongue, lips
4. Lungs and throat: Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing or other sounds, throat swelling or itching, hoarse, change in voice, or choking
5. Heart and circulation: Dizziness, fainting
6. Digestive system: Nausea, vomiting, cramps, or diarrhoea ? HOLDING TUMMY/FUSSY EATING
7. Nervous system: Anxiety, confusion
8. Check time of symptoms & treatment

Piriton > A&E
Epi-pen > Ambulance

Hope this helps.

Thanks, Hoopsadazy. So would you go with any one of those symptoms or want to see a combination of them?

The problem is, every child is different and almost every reaction is different so this is something we all struggle with - the 'will I know when to give the epi-pen?' question. My DS comes out in itchy hives on a regular basis, especially when playing with other children or when we go to restaurants, soft play etc because of the food residue everywhere. However, he usually doesn't have any other symptoms so I give him Piriton and watch him like a hawk for the next 20mins or so. The only time I've seen him have an anaphylactic reaction was in hospital when he had his wheat challenge and believe me, you will know the difference. First, he vomited then he became very distressed, itchy with an all-over red 'flush' and then started wheezing and having difficulty breathing. My advice would be (and of course I'm not a medical expert) to watch out for a combination of symptoms rather than just hives/itchy skin. If there is any wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing etc or swelling of the face/lips, then don't hesitate, give the epi-pen and call an ambulance.

My understanding is that it needs to be a combo to ana. So, if just hives, treat with anti-histamine and see how goes/contact medical help for further advice. But, if like freefrommum says, if then vomits, coughing, etc. then act fast.

With uticaria, can look bad, but I believe is relatively harmless. DS used to get quite irritated with it, but then we just wiped/cleaned his hands, arms, mouth, etc. and would calm down quickly. Sometimes some piriton, but usually it is just on the skin.

www.itchysneezywheezy.com is a good site to look at.

OK. That's a big help, both of you - thank you very much.

Thanks, babybarrister, I'll have a look.

That must have been terrifying.

I bet you are!

They've said the odds are very low that DW will need hers but just in case....