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An allergy is when the body has a reaction to a trigger. Allergic reactions usually happen within a few minutes of contact but can happen a few hours later.
Most allergic reactions are mild, but more severe reactions can occur. Sometimes mild reactions can develop quickly into a more severe reaction.
Sometimes children can have a rash that looks like an allergic reaction but it is caused by a viral infection. If you are worried please look at the rash page. (HYPERLINK to local page)
Common triggers for allergy are:
● Foods such as nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs and some fruits
● Medicines
● Bee stings
● Wasp stings
● Latex (a type of rubber found in some rubber gloves)
The most severe reaction is called anaphylaxis (ana-fill-axis) and can be life threatening. The signs of this are in the red box below. Ring 999 immediately for help if your child is having a severe reaction.
This advice is the same for children with anaphylaxis.
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999
Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 .
If possible give your child antihistamine.
We recognise that access to a health care professional may take time. If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to your GP or to NHS 111, then consider taking them to your nearest A&E
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, speak to your health visitor, local pharmacist or call NHS 111– dial 111
Now showing: Video 1 of 4
Video description: What is a food allergy?
Video description: Why do allergic reactions happen?
Video description: How to avoid cross contamination
Video description: Keep friends with food allergies safe
This guidance has been reviewed and adapted by healthcare professionals across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw with consent from the Hampshire development groups.
If you are worried that your child is having a severe allergic reaction, you need to call 999 for an ambulance immediately and state anaphylaxis (ana-fill-axis).
● If your child has an adrenaline autoinjector (Epi-pen) use it immediately
● Here are videos for how to use an Epipen or a Jext autoinjector
● Remove the trigger which caused the reaction if you can
● Sit them up if they are having difficulty breathing
● Do not stand them up or move them
● You can give a second dose of adrenaline (Epi-pen) after 5 minutes
If you have had to use your child’s autoinjector (Epi-pen) then they should always go to hospital for further observation.
If your child is having a mild to moderate allergic reaction, give them an antihistamine medicine such as Chlorphenamine, Cetirizine or Loratidine to help with the symptoms.
If your child has had an allergic reaction you should avoid the trigger whenever possible.
Allergy UK has information on anaphylaxis
Beat Anaphylaxis has information for children, young people, families and professionals
Itchy Sneezy Wheezy has a series of videos on food allergy, anaphylaxis and how to use an epipen
