⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. In case of health concerns or emergencies, please consult a doctor or call emergency services (112).
It happened completely unexpectedly. Our daughter took a bite of a kiwi – a fruit she had never eaten before. Suddenly, her face began to swell, red hives spread across her skin, and panic set in—not only in her eyes but also in those of the caregivers at her daycare.
Then the call came. "Stay calm, Mom! Mausi has an allergy. We already gave her Cetirizine. Anything else?"
I was shaking, rushing around the apartment, and just said, "Give her more!"
When I arrived at daycare, I just gave her everything we had – antihistamine syrup, corticosteroid syrup. The amount was crucial. The ambulance arrived, and she was given a small plush toy – "Piglet" from Winnie the Pooh. Slowly, the situation calmed down. This time, no EpiPen was needed.
But we had learned a bitter lesson: A well-stocked emergency kit and training for everyone involved are not enough. Everyone—parents and caregivers alike—fears doing something wrong. And we need to fight that fear. Because the worst thing you can do is give too little medication.
That’s why we say:
"Give it all!" – deliberately ambiguous.
If a caregiver gives too much medication, the worst-case scenario is: the child falls asleep. So SO WHAT? Just give everything!
In this case, the EpiPen (still) wasn’t necessary because it was only a skin reaction. The EpiPen is only used when breathing difficulties occur or when two symptoms appear simultaneously (e.g., skin changes & vomiting).
But even in doubt: If you use it, nothing bad will happen. So: GIVE IT ALL!
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction and can become life-threatening within minutes. Especially in children and toddlers who cannot clearly express their symptoms, quick and correct action is crucial.
Since our daughter's diagnosis, we have carefully observed which foods or environmental factors pose a risk. It is shocking how everyday things can suddenly become a threat.
The most common causes of anaphylactic reactions in children include:
An anaphylactic reaction often progresses in stages and affects multiple organ systems. Typical signs include:
When we first faced an allergic reaction, we felt helpless. But through training and experience, we have learned how to act quickly and confidently in an emergency.
For our daughter, the wonderful Franziska Hölzel (franzi_illustriert) created a poster with child-friendly illustrations of her allergens.
This now hangs in A0 size at her daycare and is available as a postcard for grandparents, friends, and caregivers.
Anaphylaxis in children can be life-threatening, but with the right knowledge and good preparation, the risk can be minimized. Parents should familiarize themselves with the symptoms and emergency measures and always carry a well-equipped emergency kit.
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