Dubai Allergy | Paediatric Specialist

anaphylaxis information

Understanding Anaphylaxis in Children

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect children of any age. It develops quickly and always requires emergency treatment. This reaction happens when the immune system overreacts to something harmless, such as certain foods, insect stings, or medications.

Common triggers include peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, sesame, tree nuts, shellfish, and fish. Stings from bees, wasps, or fire ants, and medicines like penicillin, antibiotics, or ibuprofen can also cause it.

Symptoms usually appear within minutes and may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, dizziness, pale or blue skin, or loss of consciousness. Infants may become floppy, unusually sleepy, or drool more than normal. If your child shows any of these signs, call emergency services immediately and use their prescribed adrenaline auto-injector if they have one.

Children who have asthma, a history of allergies, or a family history of anaphylaxis are at higher risk. After an episode, your child should always carry an adrenaline injector in case of future reactions.

anaphylaxis information

Prevention and Care

Preventing anaphylaxis begins with identifying the allergen responsible and avoiding it wherever possible. Allergy testing can help determine what caused the reaction if it’s unclear. Once the trigger is known, you can take practical steps to reduce your child’s risk. Read food labels carefully before offering anything new to eat, and always inform schools, nurseries, and other caregivers about your child’s allergy. They can then make sure appropriate measures are in place to keep allergens out of your child’s environment.

For children with insect sting allergies, small steps like keeping shoes on when outdoors, dressing in long sleeves and trousers, and teaching them to stay calm around insects can make a big difference. For children with asthma, keeping their condition under control can also help reduce the risk of a severe allergic reaction.

If your child has been diagnosed with a severe allergy, they should have a written emergency treatment plan. This plan outlines what to do in the event of a reaction and should include medications such as antihistamines, adrenaline auto-injectors, and, for children with asthma, a blue reliever inhaler. Anyone who cares for your child—teachers, relatives, or childminders—should be familiar with this plan and confident in using the prescribed medications.

As your child grows older, it’s important to teach them when and how to use their adrenaline auto-injector so that they can act quickly if no adult is nearby. Consistent preparation and awareness can significantly reduce the risks associated with severe allergic reactions.