Introduction
An anaphylactic reaction (anaphylaxis) is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects multiple areas of the body. Affected areas of the body may include the skin, mouth, lungs, heart, or gut (digestive system). Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. This condition requires immediate medical attention, and sometimes hospitalization.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by exposure to a substance that your child is allergic to (allergen). In response to this exposure, the body releases proteins (antibodies) and other compounds, such as histamine, into the bloodstream. This causes swelling in certain tissues and loss of blood pressure to important areas, such as the heart and lungs.
Common allergens that can cause anaphylaxis include:
Medicines. …show more content…
To reduce swelling (corticosteroids).
To tighten your child’s blood vessels and increase your child's heart rate (epinephrine).
Oxygen therapy to help your child breathe.
Giving fluids through an IV tube.
Your child’s health care provider may teach you how to use an anaphylaxis kit and how to give your child an epinephrine injection with what is commonly called an auto-injector "pen" (pre-filled automatic epinephrine injection device). If you think that your child is having an anaphylactic reaction, you should use the auto-injector pen or an anaphylaxis kit. If you give your child epinephrine, you must still seek emergency medical treatment for your child.
Follow these instructions at home:

Safety
Always keep an auto-injector pen or an anaphylaxis kit near you and near your child. These can be lifesaving if your child has a severe anaphylactic reaction. Use the auto-injector pen or anaphylaxis kit as told by your child’s health care provider.
Make sure that you, the members of your household, your child's teachers, daycare providers, and other caregivers know:
How to use an anaphylaxis