Anaphlaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires an immediate medical response.
It affects the airway, breathing and/or circulation and can be fatal.
Some of the common triggers of anaphylaxis include dairy, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame and shellfish to name a few. You can find a list of the 14 most common food allergens here.
It is usually fast-acting but in rare cases the reaction can be delayed as mum, Billie-Jo experienced recently with her little boy, Jess. She has shared her experience to raise awareness of anaphylaxis and the fact that it doesn’t always present itself as you might expect it to.
Meet Jess. He’s just turned 6. He’s into maths, snakes, spiders, Bear Grylls, Medusa and dragons! He’s a very clever boy, has a great big heart and is wise beyond his years. He also has a severe allergy to milk and the steroid prednisolone.
Last month Jess went into anaphylactic shock after consuming milk and his mum, Billie-Jo is bravely sharing her story to raise awareness of anaphylaxis and the fact that it isn’t always instant and isn’t always as obvious as you might think.
Here’s what happened in Billie-Jo’s own words:
“Anaphylaxis does not happen the way you think. It’s not instant, loud and dramatic like it is in movies. The silence for me is what my mind keeps playing back.
NHS emergency plans state that an ambulance should only be called if the airways, breathing or consciousness are effected. Jess had sore lips and an itchy hand. I called an ambulance as soon as I knew he’d eaten milk. This meant he was in hospital when anaphylaxis started. If you know your child could have potential for anaphylaxis call that ambulance.
Don’t be led into a false sense of security. Jess continued to play, laugh and dance. He didn’t go into anaphylaxis until an hour after, whilst sitting in A&E waiting room.
There was no screaming or crying Jess looked at me and told me he felt sick. Within 20 seconds his ears were burning. He had hives on his tummy and his eyes began to get gunky.
My instincts told me this was the beginning. I ran with him to the nearest nurse and she grabbed an Epipen. I could see he was unable to swallow his own spit and he tried to tell me he wanted his dad.
Demand your partner comes with you if you want them to. I had to call Jamie (Jess’ dad) and tell him to get to the hospital as soon as he could, fearing I’d taken away their chance to say goodbye to each other.
Mother instinct is sometimes more important than a medical degree. If you think something is going on and the doctor disagrees. Get a second opinion. This is how Jess got given his second shot of epinephrine. If something isn’t sitting right, keep screaming until you’re heard.
A bright red head was our first sign before Jess went into anaphylaxis for the second time. This happened an hour and a half after the first. Stay vigilant for 72 hours following a reaction.
If you or your child has 3 or more of the following do not hesitate to use your adrenaline and call an ambulance. – Flushing of the skin. Rash. Swelling of the skin anywhere on the body. Stomach pain, feeling sick and vomiting.“
Thank you so much Billie-Jo for sharing your story with us and helping to share this incredibly important message. We hope you and Jess never have to experience anything like this again.
Please remember to always trust your instincts when it comes to your child. It could save their life.
For more information about the signs, symptoms and triggers of anaphylaxis click here.