Recognising and Responding to Severe Reactions in Egg Allergy

Signs that need immediate treatment

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, a tight feeling in the throat, hoarse voice
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• Large hives all over the body with obvious discomfort
• Repeated vomiting, abdominal pain
• Pale face, cold sweats, dizziness, weakness, confusion

What to do first

Stop eating the suspected food straight away, call 120 (the emergency number in China) and say "suspected anaphylaxis"; if a doctor has prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector, use it in the way you were trained, and tell the emergency team what time it was given; lay the child flat and raise their legs, or let them sit up slightly if breathing is hard, and do not let them stand or walk around; if they vomit, turn them on their side to prevent choking.

Being prepared day to day

• Work with your doctor to make a written emergency plan, with a copy for family, school and carers
• Check where the medicine is kept, its expiry date and how to use it, and practise regularly
• Have the child wear identification that states their allergy information
• Even after symptoms settle, they still need to be seen by a doctor for observation, because the reaction can come back

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.