By: Dr. Robert Fink, Pediatric Specialists

Does your child have a severe allergy that puts them at risk of anaphylaxis? Because this potentially life-threatening allergic reaction can happen anytime or anywhere, the American Academy of Pediatrics has developed a resource, called the AAP Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan, to ensure your family is prepared, and your child is protected.

This emergency plan provides new guidance from the AAP emphasizing the importance of epinephrine and reducing the use of antihistamines, like Benadryl, during an allergic emergency. The plan includes easy-to-understand instructions on identifying potential allergic reactions and clearly explains when to use your child’s epinephrine auto-injector. It’s important to customize this document with your specific emergency plan information and share with your child’s school, after-school program, or friends and family who may be with your child when an emergency occurs.

This plan is based on the most up-to-date medical guidelines for treating allergic emergencies and recommends that epinephrine always be used if an anaphylactic reaction is suspected. It’s safe, works quickly, and a delay in giving this medication can increase the risk of severe complications or even death. Epinephrine auto-injectors are also designed for use outside of a medical setting and are easy enough for anyone to use.

Make sure everyone in your child’s life is prepared to deal with an allergic emergency by completing your emergency care plan today. It’s vital for anyone caring for a child with severe allergies to know how to recognize and treat anaphylaxis. This plan will give them the tools they need to recognize anaphylaxis and provide life-saving treatment.

Download the AAP Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan.

More information and additional resources from the AAP can be found here.

Like this post?

Sign up to receive our once monthly email with more kids' health tips from the region's most trusted name in pediatric health care.

About CHKD Medical Group

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters has been the region’s most trusted name in pediatric care for more than 50 years. As members of CHKD Health System, our pediatricians work closely with CHKD’s full range of pediatric specialists and surgeons. They also share a commitment to quality, excellence and child-centered care. With 18 practices in 29 locations throughout the region, a CHKD pediatrician is never far.