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What is anaphylaxis?

Also called anaphylactic shock, anaphylaxis is a dangerous reaction to an allergen, or an item that your child is allergic to. In most cases, anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Anaphylaxis can occur anywhere from seconds to an hour after your child’s exposure to an allergen.

If your child is in anaphylactic shock, call 911 right away.

Symptoms & Causes

What are the symptoms of anaphylactic shock?

It’s important to remember that each child may experience symptoms differently. However, the most common symptoms of anaphylaxis are:

Diagnosis & Treatments

How is anaphylaxis treated?

At the hospital, your child's doctor will probably be treated with an injection of epinephrine, which will help stop the severe effects caused by the allergen. As a follow-up, the physician may instruct you on the use of an emergency allergy kit that contains epinephrine to have near your child in case of future episodes.

Practitioners Who Specialize In This Condition (17)

Hans Oettgen, MD, PhD

Hans Oettgen, MD, PhD

Deputy Chief, Department of Pediatrics; Associate Chief, Division of Immunology
Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Harvard Medical School Faculty Dean for Academic Programs at Boston Children’s Hospital
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