Emergency & Urgent Care
Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
Anaphylaxis is severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Can happen to foods (peanuts, eggs, shellfish), insect stings, or medications.
Symptoms appear within minutes to 2 hours: difficulty breathing, swelling of lips/tongue/throat, hives all over body, vomiting, diarrhea, pale/blue color, fainting, rapid pulse.
Mild reactions (few hives, mild stomach upset) can progress to anaphylaxis - always watch closely.
What to Do
- Call 911 immediately - do not wait to see if symptoms worsen
- Use epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen Jr) immediately if baby has one prescribed
- Lay baby flat (unless vomiting or having trouble breathing - then keep upright)
- If using EpiPen: Inject into outer thigh through clothing, hold for 3 seconds, massage area 10 seconds
- After EpiPen, still call 911 - symptoms can return (biphasic reaction)
- If baby stops breathing or heart stops: Start CPR immediately
- Give Benadryl if available AFTER calling 911 and using EpiPen (not instead of)
- Keep baby warm with blanket
- Stay with baby and monitor breathing until help arrives
- Bring the food/medication that caused reaction to ER for identification
When to call a doctor
Call 911 IMMEDIATELY if baby has difficulty breathing, severe swelling of face/lips/tongue, widespread hives, vomiting, becomes pale/blue, or loses consciousness after eating new food or insect sting. Use epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if prescribed.