Would you have used an epipen?

[justtheone]

DS (5 years) has had mild allergies to a number of foods. The most common symptom is itchy, red eyes and very occasionally he has complained of an itchy mouth.
On Monday night he had some halva which I did not know had sesame. After a few minutes he complained of a lump in his throat. I thought that the halva was stuck and gave him water. Then I checked the box of halva and noticed the tahini. My first reaction was to give him some Piriton. While I went to get it, DS lay on the floor. He was still complaining of a lump in his throat and he mentioned a pain in his tummy but seemed to be pointing to his chest. I gave him the Piriton and a few minutes later he was violently sick. After that he seemed better and changed into his pyjamas. Then he said that the lump in his throat had returned and he wanted to vomit again but did not. He then said that he had to go to bed. At this stage I had the Epipen to hand but still did not use it. DH put DS to bed and I rang NHS Direct. They asked a number of questions and said to keep and eye on him. There were no further problems but yesterday his face was covered with little spots which have now disappeared.
This is the first time he has had such a violent reaction. Should I have given the Epipen and called 999? Was I just lucky that the outcome was ok? How bad do the symptoms have to be before you would consider using the Epipen?

[VeniVidiVickiQV]

Absolutely tortoiseshell.

If you know that a previous reaction has been severe, best to administer it asap.

[williamsmummy]

our son has had these reactions and others and we were warned that we shouldnt wait for so long next time and use the epi -pen.

So we are more prepared , I have spent more time looking at the signs and symtoms of serious allergy reactions.

Have been in this posisiton, take it as a clear warning, that next time you use it.

oh, and shove antihistamine in as quick as possible. Its something that works really well with young children. The quicker its in, the better. Piriton given in this way does not cause a problem, but can help reduce an allergic reaction.

sorry to waffle a bit.

[derlor]

if in doubt use the epipen it will do no harm if used when not actually needed heart rate will increase for a short while and he may feel sick but not much else - I would contact the allergy clinic or GP who prescribed it in the first place to talk this instance over and reasure you in case of future events. most important rule if in doubt use the pen

[derlor]

oh yeah, and call an ambulance immediately as well. Even after epipen is given allergic symptoms can reoccur for up to 6 hours so hospital is essential. hospital will administer hydrocortisone via a drip if needed to prevent further reaction. - hope this helps.

[tatt]

we used to give piriton and wait to see if it worked. Then had a reaction where it was obvious that it wasn't working (child couldn't speak, very frightened). Used the pen and they were fine within minutes. Slightly sore, little red mark but fine. Without it they probably would be dead now.

Epipens do NOT cause problems, they save lives. If you are ever in doubt use it. Personally I'd use it sooner now, I'd have definitely used it when the lump returned and he wanted to lie down. I would have had to stay up all night to check they were still breathing.

Secondary reactions are not unusual so if you haven't given an epipen they need to be observed for at least 4 hours.

[SofiaAmes]

By the way, halvah is pretty much all sesame. And most middle-eastern foods and sauces have sesame in them. And many chinese, japanese, thai indonesian foods use sesame oil.

[justtheone]

Many thanks for all your messages.

This is the first time that there has been such an immediate and serious reaction. If I saw the same symptoms again... red face, rash on eyes, lump in throat, chest pain, vomiting and listlistness I would definitely run for the epipen. From your messages, my reading yesterday and my experience on Monday, judging when to use the pen is very difficult and each reaction can be very different.

DS has an appointment to see the GP today and he will see the consultant and allergy nurse next month, so I will notify them of the recent problem and get their advice also.

Again many thanks.

[Julia76]

I wish you all the best & hope you get the advice you need. It is certainly helpful for me to know i am not alone & that there are other parents going through the same thing, as me, & the same as my son. . Good luck to all of you. Take care. ju x