What Happens If I Give Epinephrine to My Child When I'm Not Sure It's Anaphylaxis?
The benefits of giving epinephrine if you think your child is having a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis are greater than the risks of the side effects of this medicine.
This is true even if you’re not sure if they are having an anaphylactic reaction. This is because of how severe anaphylaxis can be. There is also a low risk of serious adverse (bad) effects from epinephrine.
You should give epinephrine at the 1st sign of anaphylaxis. If you are not sure if the reaction is anaphylaxis, give epinephrine anyway. Do not wait.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis involve more than 1 part of the body. Signs and symptoms include:
- Skin rashes, itching, and hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing (whistling sound during breathing)
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Feeling like something awful is about to happen
Epinephrine is generally safe and effective, even if you give it when it is not needed. It can cause side effects such as:
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Shakiness
- Headache
- Nausea
These side effects are usually mild and not life-threatening. Many guidelines and experts support this approach.
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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