- Do not ignore early symptoms.
- Always take a possible reaction seriously and act quickly.
- Not every reaction will always look the same.
- Anaphylaxis can occur without skin symptoms or hives.
- A child may describe their symptoms differently than an adult: for example “my throat is tingly” or “my tongue feels scratchy”.
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An allergic reaction usually happens within minutes after being exposed to an allergen, but sometimes it can take place several hours after exposure.
Keep in mind that an allergic reaction can start with mild symptoms that can get worse quickly.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can including the following body areas: heart, lungs/throat, stomach, skin, and other.
- Heart: Feeling faint or dizzy; weak pulse; pale; blue or grey skin, lips or nails
- Lungs/Throat: Shortness of breath; wheezing; coughing; difficulty talking or hoarse voice; drooling
- Stomach: Repetitive vomiting or diarrhea; severe abdominal pain
- Skin: Widespread hives or flushing; severe itching; severe swelling of face or eyes
- Other: Sense of doom; confused; agitated; decreased activity
Keep in mind that hives don’t always appear during anaphylactic reactions.
Symptoms in babies up to 2 years of age may be indicated by a noticeable change in the sound of their cry, drooling, spitting up of food or drink after feeding, and the uncontrolled passing of stool or urine. They may show behavioural changes such as irritability, unexpectedly become very sleepy or difficult to wake up, suddenly appear very frightened, upset emotionally, and/or want to be held or comforted.
- Don’t ignore early symptoms, even if they seem mild, especially if you have had a reaction in the past.
Tips for parents
Small children can have a hard time describing their symptoms. They may complain of a “funny feeling” in their mouth or throat. Or, they may say things like “my mouth feels funny” or “my tongue is itchy”.