First Aid and Safety Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can be triggered by foods, medications, insect stings, pollen, or other substances. Although most allergic reactions aren't serious, severe reactions can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms

Mild:

• itchiness
• skin redness
• slight swelling
  
• stuffy, running nose
• sneezing
• itchy, watery eyes
• red bumps (hives) anywhere on the body

Severe:

• swelling of the mouth or tongue
• difficulty swallowing or speaking
• wheezing or difficulty in breathing
  
• abdominal (belly) pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• dizziness or fainting

What to do?

• contact the doctor if the child has an allergic reaction that is more than mild or concerns you.
• if the symptoms are mild, give an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine.
• if the symptoms are severe and you have injectable epinephrine (EpiPen), immediately use it as directed and call for emergency medicalhelp.

Think Prevention!
Have kids avoid substances that are known to trigger an allergic reaction. Keep an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine available. If the child has a sever allergy, be sure doctor-prescribed injectable epinephrine is kept near by at all times, and that you, the child (if old enough), and any one who cares for the child know how to use it.