Can an Epipen be prescribed before allergy is confirmed?

[cliffdiver]

We're at the early stages of food allergy diagnosis for DD2 (8).

Yesterday she was potentially exposed to potential trigger, due to cross contamination.

She said her throat felt tight, I gave her Piriton straight away, and she was fine.

This reaction has worried me. Previous reactions have been hives on neck and throat.

We have a GP appointment later this month, where they'll review her food diary, and hopefully refer for tests (which we may get done privately, depending on NHS wait).

If GP agrees to refer for testing, would they be able to prescribe an Epipen in the meantime, based on recent reaction?

It's probably unlikely that she'd be prescribed without having an anaphylactic reaction first or on direction from a consultant.

If she's triggered again, and Piriton doesn't work and she has the signs of anaphylaxis (Anaphylaxis Campaign and Allergy U.K. both have good info) then you must call an ambulance.

Thank you, I will look at those websites.

Yes, would call 999 if Piriton did not work.

I got an epipem after my awful experience with a wasp whilst I waiting for the referral

I was prescribed an epipen without proper allergy diagnosis or anaphylactic reaction back in October/November.
My lips and eyes swelled up (lasting a few days and had hives that lasted around 6 weeks that no antihistamine would not take away. Never had a reaction to anything in my life (I’m 26)
After a couple of trips to the docs they prescribed me two epipens, I was also given the wrong info on how/when to use it which was pointed out by a hospital doctor the next day.
If allergies are suspected especially if they think anaphylactic reaction is possible (which sounds possible for your DD) then they would prescribe them as precaution. Having one and not using it is much better than not having one and needing it.
I will say ensure you are getting the proper guidance on usage though.
I was told to use it if my lips and eyes swelled again (they were already swollen at the time) but the hospital doc informed me only use it if my breathing is effected or throat swells, or “I have a sense of impending doom” (very vague).
After using it, it is essential you call an ambulance as they will need monitoring.
According to the doctor it’s stops the reaction temporarily, giving about 30 mins for ambulance to arrive (hence why two are usually prescribed to use second one if necessary)

Thank you @ifyouturnonthelight and @Looloohoohoo, sorry to hear you both had such awful reactions!

Reassuring to know that she could get one before allergy is confirmed.

We got my son's prescribed by private allergist very quickly after his first reaction to a food.

NHS hadn't given us one.

If allergy tests confirm the allergy, the private allergist should be happy to issue.

@Looloohoohoo the 'sense of impending doom' is the most peculiar thing, and hard to describe, but you know it when you've had it! It's a signifier for a rapid drop in blood pressure. I don't get a swollen throat or breathing problems, I go straight from hives to doom (thankfully not since having my triggers identified and getting a diagnosis).

@Anomalocaris yeah I was a bit taken back when the doctor had said that to me, I’m always having wee faint spells and suffer with anxiety and panic attacks so I was kind of like “what if I have a panic attack and think its a reaction or what if i have a reaction but think it’s just a panic attack”
But glad to know that if it happens then I’ll know the difference.

@Anomalocaris that's very interesting. Ds1 had a "funny turn" last Christmas - just kept saying something felt very wrong, then a week later full blown anaphalaxis (hives, vomiting, drop in blood pressure). I've always wondered if the first event was a precursor.

I took my DC to A&E following their first bad reaction (swollen throat and face - still conscious throughout) and that triggered allergy testing and follow up. It was only at the follow-up meeting when the triggers had been identified, that we were offered epipens. Until then we were relying on piriton and A&E should we need it.

@Williamshatnershorses

I took my DC to A&E following their first bad reaction (swollen throat and face - still conscious throughout) and that triggered allergy testing and follow up. It was only at the follow-up meeting when the triggers had been identified, that we were offered epipens. Until then we were relying on piriton and A&E should we need it.

Thank you. I'm going to start taking Piriton out with us all the time.

Was the allergy testing done in A&E, or at a follow up?

Allergy testing is always a follow up. When ds1 was small he was diagnosed w a number of allergies and we were advised to carry portion at all times but no epipens as he'd never had an anaphylactic reaction. But when he had his reaction at Christmas he was discharged w epipens (he's now a teen).

Carry piriton

@cliffdiver it was a while ago but they got steroids and observation at A&E, then there was an appointment at the hospital to get blood drawn to be tested. We then had a further appt at the hospital with the results. I can’t remember if there was a GP appt in between A&E and the blood testing, or whether A&E did a direct referral. It was reasonably quick though - weeks rather than months.

When you get your testing done (and I would go private in your situation) it's best if you've not taken antihistamines in the past few days, obviously you must if you need to but it can downplay the results. Just an FYI our NHS letter explained this but private first time we rocked up expecting just a chat but they got straight on with the tests

In our case we had to wait for consultant before getting épi pen and then it was cos of DC asthma and what he was allergic to.

The size of his wheals when he was tested also meant he had to have the Épi pen. He’s allergic to many things and has throat swelling etc most weeks but those allergies are unlikely to trigger anaphylaxis, he only has the épipen for his nut/soy allergies.

He’d had GP appts and A&E attendances and we had steroids and piriton until the Cons did the testing