What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis, also called anaphylactic shock, is a severe and sometimes life-threatening reaction to an allergen. (The items that your child is allergic to are called allergens.) Call 911, this is an emergency. The reaction to the allergen can occur seconds to as long as an hour after the exposure. It is necessary to have come in contact with the allergen at a previous time for sensitization to occur.

What causes anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is caused by exposure to an allergen. The type of allergen may be different for every child. Some of the most common causes include the following:

• Medications, such as penicillin
• Foods
• Dyes used for medical procedures
• Allergy injections
• Insect stings
• Latex

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

The following are the most common symptoms of anaphylaxis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Tightness, itching, or swelling of the throat
• Hoarseness
• Coughing, wheezing, chest pain, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
• Swelling or itching of the lips or tongue
• Uneasy sensation or agitation
• Generalized hives
• Severe itching, redness, or swelling of the skin
• Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps
• Stomach pain
• Heart failure
• Irregular heartbeats, or a weak pulse
• Stuffy or runny nose and/or sneezing
• Dizziness or confusion
• Fainting or shock

The symptoms of anaphylaxis may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.

Testing and diagnosis of anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency.  After symptom resolution, allergy clinicians at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will take a detailed medical history of your child, including information on any prior reactions and exposures to foods, insects, medications, etc. Based on your child’s history and findings, our clinicians may order additional testing such as skin testing, blood testing or oral challenge.  CHOP Allergy and Immunology  clinics are available at the Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care at the Philadelphia campus and in a number of locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Your child needs immediate medical attention. Your child’s health care provider will probably treat them with epinephrine.  This will stop the severe effects caused by the allergen.  If your child does have an anaphylactic reaction to an allergen, his or her doctor may instruct you to use of epinephrine and two doses of this medication should be near your child in case of future episodes. The medication is currently administered by injection into the outer thigh or intranasally (Neffy®). A second dose may be needed in 5 to 30 minutes if symptoms are not improving. Discuss this with your child's doctor.