Anaphylaxis Kills Kids

My teeth started tingling and the inside of my throat was itchy my palms got red and swollen. I felt light-headed. My heart started to race, my feet were so swollen my boots couldn’t come off. Things got worse as soon as I walked into the emergency room. I couldn’t breathe and began to panic. I felt I was going to die. I was terrified and wanted to pass out but couldn’t.
This is as described by a woman in her twenties following a reaction.

What is Anaphylaxis? It is the severe and potentially deadly allergic reaction. Food allergies account for 35% to 55% of all cases of anaphylaxis (caused by peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk and eggs) according to the University of Virginia Health System. It is a sudden, severe allergic reaction usually involving the whole body.

If not treated immediately the outcome can be extreme breathlessness, gross swelling of the body (particularly the wind pipe), heart failure and death. It is usually manifested through constriction or narrowing of the airways and the blood vessels, resulting in difficult breathing, rapid pulse, a fall in blood pressure, and even cardiovascular collapse and shock. Anaphylaxis is a critical medical emergency requiring immediate injections of the hormone epinephrine, which opens the airways and blood vessels. It is also treated with antihistamines, and steroids, among other medications. Is anaphylaxis a killer? Some of us say yes. Some say no. Here are the stats:

It is estimated anaphylaxis affects an estimated three to five million children in the United States alone. Overall, based on the entire population, current stats indicate there are 339 deaths a year from anaphylaxis shock, 33 per month, 7 per week, 1 per day.

Is it a killer? Simply stated, YES. If one is severely allergic, carry a supply of epinephrine (adrenaline), available via prescription as an EpiPen® or AnaKit®, at all times . . .

Suggestions how children with it can still participate in normal school life include educating teachers about anaphylaxis so they can be aware that this is life threatening. One good source is http://www.kidswithallergies.org. Lynda Mitchell and her staff are dedicated to helping and supporting families with affected children. Teachers should be aware of who the child is that has anaphylaxis, and what that child is allergic to. The teachers should also be told what to do if a reaction occurs at school. Children with anaphylaxis should be given the opportunity to lead as normal lives as possible. The School Canteen Manager and staff also need to be educated about children who have food allergies. They need to know the composition of the foods they sell, so that if a child asks, "Does it contain any dairy products?" they can answer knowledgeably. As a professional, personal chef and culinary consultant, I make it my business to know if my client will have guests with food allergies or restrictions.

Editor’s Note: If you should be on the Outer Banks at the time of the attack, follow this link for a list of medical facilities.

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