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Should I Have Used the Epipen? Need Advice Please

eganknegankn
in Food Allergy

 

DS is 9 months old and allergic to milk, eggs and peanuts. The only known reaction is eczema and hives, but he's only had the allergens through breastmilk, never directly ate any of them. His allergy plan for daycare is to use epipen at the first hive and go directly to the ER.

 

I picked him up from daycare yesterday at 3:30 and when I got him to the car I noticed he had a couple hives on his legs which I figured were from crawling bare legged on the floor. Because his skin is so sensitive, he gets hives if you let baby food sit on his chin for 2 minutes or a tag from a bib rubs on his neck, etc... Then when we got home I noticed he was scratching his chin and there were a few red hives there. So I check his daycare notebook and they didn't write down what baby food he had for lunch. So I called his teacher and she said sweet potatoes which we know are safe. They said they put aquaphor on his chin before eating and cleaned him really well. They also said the snack for the older kids was peaches and they made sure to clean up really well after (he's also eaten baby food peaches and been fine, just not whole peaches that they served). So we have no idea what caused the allergic reaction....I watched him really closely the entire night and the hives on his legs cleared up by 5 as his back broke out in hives and then by bathtime at 6:15 his chin and legs were no longer red at all just tiny marks where the hives were and his back was calming down as well. This morning he looks fine.

 

He's had a few hives in the past but never a reaction to something I don't know what it was so I was really tempted to use the epipen but I also didn't want to overreact. What do you do in this situation?

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Re: Should I Have Used the Epipen? Need Advice Please

  • ababymaybeababymaybe member

    Usually they say when in doubt use the Epi. Personally though, for just hives, I would not. And if I were going to medicate for something like that (if they were persisting or severe) I would use Benadryl. As I understand it, the Epi is for larger systemic reactions - breathing difficulty, swelling, sneezing, vomiting etc.

    If you Google there are good explanations-- Epi is basically for anaphylaxis but anaphylaxis can manifest in a number of ways, some which may be surprising.  

    If you ever need the Epi remember to call 911 and request medical assistance including more epinephrine. It only buys you about 20 minutes and they need medical care ASAP.  

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  • Lil KateLil Kate member
    I agree with PP.....DS has been covered with hives for the past 2 days (head to toe) but no signs of anaphylaxis.  We have been dosing him with benadryl as per the allergist.  I would follow your doctors instructions but I wouldn't give epi for hives just for breathing difficulties, swelling, etc.
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  • lmdbwwlmdbww
    imageababymaybe:

    Usually they say when in doubt use the Epi. Personally though, for just hives, I would not. And if I were going to medicate for something like that (if they were persisting or severe) I would use Benadryl. As I understand it, the Epi is for larger systemic reactions - breathing difficulty, swelling, sneezing, vomiting etc.

    I agree with this. Our allergist instructed us to use Benadryl first and if symptoms progress (mainly including difficulty breathing or swallowing), then adminster epi pen and call 911.

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  • di0607di0607 member
    Our allergist gave an allergy care plan. Daycare has a copy as well as benadryl and his epi-pen. They are instructed to give meds first and then call me. If epi-pen is used they call 911 then me. Please make sure that your daycare knows what symptoms to look for. If you are further way from the hospital more than 20 minutes also make sure that you have a 2 pack of epi and know when to re-administer.
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  • Lil KateLil Kate member
    I would make a follow-up appointment or call the allergist to clarify your questions so you can eract immediately and feel confident you are doing the right thing.  I will say we have a really clear allergy plan yet in the moment I still question myself...GL
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  • LiebeMamaLiebeMama member

    I would say consult the allergist with any and all questions. Maybe lay out a step plan to keep on the bulliten board.

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  • el25el25

    I would definitely have an epipen?  Just for peace of mind.

     

    I read the post wrong....I thought you asked if you should have an Epipen.

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  • pawcallpawcall member
    imageababymaybe:

    Usually they say when in doubt use the Epi. Personally though, for just hives, I would not. And if I were going to medicate for something like that (if they were persisting or severe) I would use Benadryl.

    I

     

    This exactly

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