Anaphylaxis in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that must be treated immediately. Your child's risk for anaphylaxis increases if he or she has asthma or allergies. Medical conditions such as heart disease can also increase your child's risk. It is important to be prepared if your child is at risk for anaphylaxis. Symptoms can be worse each time he or she is exposed to a trigger.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your child's vein that is used to give medicine or liquids.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Medicines:
- Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
- Antihistamines help reduce swelling, hives, and itching.
- Steroids help prevent a second reaction.
- A bronchodilator helps open your child's airway and make breathing easier.
Tests:
An ECG records your child's heart rhythm and how fast his or her heart beats. It is used to see if your child's heart is beating normally.
Treatment:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids may be given to treat low blood pressure caused by anaphylaxis or epinephrine.
- Oxygen may be needed if your child's blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. Your child may get oxygen through a mask placed over his or her nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in the nostrils. Ask your child's healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
- A ventilator is a machine that gives your child oxygen. It breathes for your child when he or she cannot breathe well on his or her own. An endotracheal tube (ET) is put in your child's mouth or nose and attached to the ventilator. Your child may need a trach if an ET tube cannot be placed. A trach is a tube that is put through an incision and into your child's windpipe then attached to the ventilator.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
Even with treatment, a second reaction may occur 24 to 72 hours after the first. Without immediate treatment, the signs and symptoms caused by anaphylaxis may become life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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