Typically involving several body systems, anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that can be mild to severe and may be fatal. Children with asthma are at greater risk for anaphylaxis.
The first signs of an anaphylactic reaction may include a warm or flushed feeling, tingling in the mouth or a red and itchy rash or hives. Additional symptoms may include light-headedness, shortness of breath, severe sneezing, anxiety, stomach cramps, and vomiting and diarrhea. Airway constriction, drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness or loss of consciousness can present in certain cases. A dangerous drop in blood pressure can result in anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylactic symptoms can occur from minutes to several hours after ingestion. Usually symptoms appear immediately after a child consumes the offending food and warrant urgent emergency treatment.
Signs of Anaphylaxis1
Skin: Flushing; itching; hives; swelling; rash; itching of lips, tongue and palate; swelling of lips, tongue and back of throat (uvula); itching around eyes; redness and swelling of eyes; and tearing of eyes.
Respiratory: Itching and tightness of the throat; difficulty swallowing; change in voice; hoarseness; dry cough; harsh high-pitched breathing (stridor); itching in the outer ear canals; shortness of breath; chest tightness; cough and wheezing; itching of the nose; runny nose; congestion; and sneezing.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea; cramping abdominal pain; vomiting; and diarrhea.
Cardiovascular: Decreased blood pressure; feeling faint; fainting; not acting normally; chest pain; and heart rhythm abnormalities.
Other: Uterine cramping in women; and an aura of impending doom.
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