Severe Reactions to Cow's Milk Allergy: Emergency Points for Parents

Signs that need immediate action

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, a tight throat, a 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 giving the suspected food at once, call 120 (the emergency number in China) and say "suspected anaphylaxis". If a doctor has prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector for your child, use it as you were trained to do, and tell the emergency team what time it was given. Lay your child flat and raise their legs. If breathing is difficult, they can sit up partway. Do not let them stand or walk around. If they vomit, turn them on their side to prevent choking.

Preparation for everyday life

• 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 your child wear identification that states their allergy, so others can tell what is wrong
• Even if symptoms ease, they still need to be seen by a doctor, because the reaction can come back

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