Peanut Allergy in 6 Year Old.

[Claire527]

My son is 6 years old and has a peanut allergy.
For this he is prescribed Piriton. He has been admitted to hospital three times for nut related reactions, once by ambulance.
Now he is getting a bit older and undertakes more after school activities, I would feel happier if he had an epipen. I think sometimes that Piriton takes a bit too long to kick in.

Does anyone have any views about this?

My son doesn't have asthma but his reaction to peanuts is severe. On the occassion I had to phone an ambulance, before I knew he had the allergy, he instantly came out in a rash head to toe, illuminous, went limp and had to have oxygen. Before the ambulance arrived, I had administered some Piriton which I happened to have in stock. He was released from hospital 8 hours later after supervision. I don't really know how severe a reaction has to be before you can get an epipen?

I think if your DS collapsed needing oxygen he would qualify for an epipen. It is not possible to get piriton down someone is unconscious. If the collapse was due to circulatory failure - the fluid in his blood vessels leaking out into the interstitial spaces he would need some epinephedrine very quick! His widespread rash is an indication that this happened so I would see your doctor asap.