Community Pediatric Asthma Service

Asthma and Anaphylaxis

If you have asthma and anaphylaxis, uncontrolled asthma puts you at greater risk of death from an anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan

What is Anaphylaxis

Some children are allergic to certain foods, medicines, insect bites/stings, latex and sometimes even exercise. If they come in contact with these things, they develop the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. If the symptoms are severe enough, the reaction is called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can cause death and must be treated quickly.

What are the signs of Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis may produce a variety of potentially life-threatening symptoms such as:

-diarrhea -nausea -tingling lips
-dizziness/fainting -swollen tongue -vomiting
-hives -tight throat -wheezing

Be Prepared!

Severe allergic reactions can be unpredictable. Be prepared:

Carry an epinephrine injector
Know how to use your injector – practice with a training device so you are confident
Be aware of the expiry date of the medicine

How to use your Injector

Knowing how to use your injector will save you valuable time. Click on your injector below to learn how to use it.

Food

The most common food allergies that trigger anaphylaxis are peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame, wheat, and mustard.

A great website for more information about food allergies is www.Foodallergycan.ca.

Exercise

In rare circumstances, exercise may also lead to anaphylaxis in what is known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as Pollen Food Syndrome).

Ingesting some foods followed by vigorous exercise can cause anaphylaxis, but ingestion of these foods with no vigorous exercise has no reaction.

Keep a careful history of what was eaten just prior to exercise – especially foods such as celery, nuts, peaches, wheat or seafood.

Insects Stings and Bites

Bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants are the most common problem insects. Treatment options are available. Ask for a referral to an allergist.

Latex

Latex is a growing concern because of its widespread use in everyday work and at home. Latex can be found in items such as gloves, balloons, rubber bands, bandages, mouse pads, bath mats, garden hoses, rubber balls and toys, sports equipment, and baby pacifiers.

Medication

Common anti-swelling drugs like Motrin, Advil and Aspirin (known as “Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs” or ‘NSAID’s) are the most common cause of medicine induced anaphylaxis.

Unknown Causes

Sometimes you may not know or learn the cause of anaphylaxis.

Talk to an allergist who will take an in- depth history to try and uncover what triggered a severe reaction.

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Material on this website has been designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment.
If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.