Child just had allergic reaction...

[GlynistheMenace]

she is 3.7yrs, her lips, tongue and nose swelled, luckily I noticed very quickly and gave her a dose of the anti-histamine we use for her prickly heat. I have been onto NHS Direct (in UK) and along with the nurse's guidance and some reassuring words from a friend I am satisfied the reaction is under control. For now.

I've got an appointment with the nurse-led same day clinic later this afternoon, as I think I'd like some fast-acting epi-pen type things to have for emergencies until I can find out what caused this.

Does this seems a bit 'reactionary'?
I know rapid response to allergies is key to rapid recovery, but this was the 1st time its ever happened.

Has anyone got any words of wisdom for me or advice on what sort of questions to be asking so I don't look like a complete fruit-loop at the surgery?

TAI

I dont think you are over reacting at all, if her tongue swelled up along with the lips that is a very dangerous situation. I assume you dont know what caused the allergy.

You probably know that the next time may be worse than this one as the body becomes more sensitised and reacts even more. If it is an unknown allergen and can occur at any time you need some strategy in place until you know what to avoid.

An epipen is not an easy answer and not the first line of defence, (it is a powerful drug not a anti histimine) an anti histimine should be given if possible anyway.

I think you need to speak to your GP or allergy specialist sooner rather than later.

I think you are right to be concerned and agree that you need to see GP.

However, based on my own experience, don't be suprised if you are refused an epi pen. Ds is allergic to eggs and suffers immediate mouth and lip swelling, hives all over body, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea. Our consultant said that these are just moderate reactions and would only be given an epipen if had a severe reaction (if he had specific breathing problems, apparently his tounge swelling up was not counted as such). From what I've read though it seems to vary depending on where you are.

I'd definately push for some assistance in discovering what caused the reaction in the first place.

We've had the same reactions to egg, penicillin, dairy and sesame. I had to push our GP for a referral but eventually got referred to the allergy clinic, where all the above were confirmed. We haven't been given an epipen, just told to use piriton and avoid the offending foods, with a food challenge to be done in hospital once the hive reaction is smaller than the clinical control.
As for questions - I can't really give you any,but you should definitely insist on a referall as there is no knowing how sensitised she is. I really feel for you, it's horrid to watch and incredibly worrying, hope you get some answers.

Evening all, thanks for the replies.

GP was very supportive and didn't make me feel like a neurotic eejit at all.
He talked through all the symptoms, all the possibilities of the cause and said he'd rather be safe and spend a bit of money than sorry, so gave us the Epi-Pens

Of course the anti-histamine is the 1st treatment, she has this routinely during the summer due to prickly heat, so now we have a new 'friend' to carry about with us.

Fingers crossed we never use them eh?

Thanks again

Oh and of course we'll be looking for the cause...

POAL...we have a fabulous walk-in service here. Also a shockingly bad incidence of heart disease so that is why the HC is easy access.

Would still rather not to have had to take them though

Children do grow out of allergies so fingers x
It is better to have the epipen as a back up as real anaphylaxis happens in a matter of minutes to no breathing!

Hope you never need it