One of the best ways to ensure your child gets the best start in life is to ensure they receive high-quality medical care with a pediatrician. Keep reading to learn more about pediatric care and what it can offer your child.
Children who have severe allergies can be at risk for a life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock, which makes it difficult for them to breathe. The good news is, a small and easy-to-carry device called an EpiPen® is a lifesaving tool for many children experiencing anaphylaxis.
For some children who have allergies, board-certified pediatrician Rainilda Valencia, MD, from Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville, California, prescribes an EpiPen and recommends they carry it with them at all times. Discover more about the EpiPen and if your child should get one.
An EpiPen is a small, slim medical device your child can easily carry anywhere. When used at the first signs of anaphylactic shock as your child waits for further medical attention, it offers immediate, life-saving medication called epinephrine.
Epinephrine is a synthetic version of adrenaline, which your body also naturally produces in some situations. During anaphylactic shock, epinephrine provides a burst of energy that stimulates your child’s heart, increases their blood pressure, relaxes their lungs to make breathing easier, and reduces swelling.
If Dr. Valencia prescribes an EpiPen for your child, you should use it on them at the first signs they might be experiencing anaphylactic shock. These signs include:
When these symptoms appear, your first course of action is to administer the EpiPen your child is carrying. Start by taking it out of its container.
When the needle comes out, hold down your child’s leg, inject the needle into their outer thigh, and hold it in for three seconds before releasing. The medication automatically works to ensure the right dose is administered.
Once the dosage has been administered, call 911 or take your child to the emergency room immediately for follow-up care.
Dr. Valencia recommends children with severe, life-threatening allergies carry an EpiPen with them at all times, so it can be administered right away in case of emergency. Children with mild or moderate allergies do not usually need an EpiPen.
To determine if your child needs to carry an EpiPen, Dr. Valencia and her team assess your child’s allergies and develop a treatment plan. The treatment plan might involve a plan to help your child avoid exposure to the allergen, medication for mild allergic reactions, and carrying an EpiPen in case of anaphylactic shock.
If Dr. Valencia determines your child needs an EpiPen, our team trains you and your child on how to use it as part of an emergency preparedness plan. Our team also can teach your school and other adults in close contact with your child how to react in an emergency.
Even with the best prevention plan in place, anaphylactic shock is a scary and dangerous reaction that can happen to children with severe allergies. Fortunately, carrying and properly using an EpiPen can save your child from the worst potential outcomes.
For more information about EpiPens and other treatment options for your child’s allergies, contact our team at Valencia Pediatrics today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
One of the best ways to ensure your child gets the best start in life is to ensure they receive high-quality medical care with a pediatrician. Keep reading to learn more about pediatric care and what it can offer your child.
If your child is an athlete or is considering playing a sport, you might be wondering what you need to do to ensure they’re ready to play. Here’s what you need to know about sports physicals and why they’re important for active children.
A diagnosis of autism can mean your child has behavioral challenges that make communicating, socializing, and coping at school and at home difficult. Find out more about what behavioral therapy can do to help your autistic child.
As your child grows, it’s important to notice whether they’re meeting various speech, growth, and learning milestones at the expected times. Understand more of what you can learn about your child by attending a developmental screening.
It isn’t easy to watch your child struggle with the symptoms of allergies. Luckily, you can help them reduce their discomfort and risk of a severe reaction. Learn more about how you can support your child in managing their allergy symptoms.
Attending well-child exams comes with a significant number of health and developmental benefits to your child. Keep reading to learn more about why getting well-child exams is extremely important.