Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction may begin within minutes to several hours after exposure to the allergen and can intensify to become life-threatening.
It is important to understand the difference between signs and symptoms. Symptoms are what your child reports to you when they are experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. For example, your child may tell you that their arm is very "itchy". Signs are signals that are directly visible to you. For example, noticing that your child appears confused is a sign. Knowing how to recognize signs of an anaphylactic reaction are especially important in this population. Your child may not be able to communicate how they are feeling because they may be confused or because they do not understand what is happening to them when they are experiencing an allergic reaction.
The most dangerous signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are: trouble breathing caused by swelling of the airways and a drop in blood pressure caussing dizziness, light-headedness, or passing out. These can lead to fatal consequences if left untreated.
It is important to understand the difference between signs and symptoms. Symptoms are what your child reports to you when they are experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. For example, your child may tell you that their arm is very "itchy". Signs are signals that are directly visible to you. For example, noticing that your child appears confused is a sign. Knowing how to recognize signs of an anaphylactic reaction are especially important in this population. Your child may not be able to communicate how they are feeling because they may be confused or because they do not understand what is happening to them when they are experiencing an allergic reaction.
The most dangerous signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are: trouble breathing caused by swelling of the airways and a drop in blood pressure caussing dizziness, light-headedness, or passing out. These can lead to fatal consequences if left untreated.
To remember the signs and symptoms, think "F.A.S.T"
Face
Itchiness, redness, swelling of face and tongue
Itchiness, redness, swelling of face and tongue
Airway
Trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking
Trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking
Stomach
Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
Total Body
Rash, itchiness, swelling, weakness, palenss, sense
of doom, loss of consciousness
Rash, itchiness, swelling, weakness, palenss, sense
of doom, loss of consciousness
Important Things to Remember
1) Not every reaction will look the same. Not every reaction will show all the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction. Each child can have different signs and symptoms each time, even when exposed to the same allergen.
2) Do not ignore early symptoms. This is especially true if your child has experienced a reaction in the past. Signs and symptoms may appear mild early on and they may become worse very quickly. Always take a possible reaction seriously and act quickly.
2) Do not ignore early symptoms. This is especially true if your child has experienced a reaction in the past. Signs and symptoms may appear mild early on and they may become worse very quickly. Always take a possible reaction seriously and act quickly.