Skip main navigation

Allergy or infection?

video

Scarlett appears to not be in any immediate danger, but has 2 potentially significant things going on:

  • An allergic reaction
  • An infection

In both cases there is the potential for rapid deterioration.

If it is an allergic reaction this is not anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is better termed anaphylactic shock and this term gives you a bit of a clue as to how a child with this condition will present. They will often complain of abdominal pain, they may vomit, the rash may be accompanied by swelling of the lips, tongue, throat and they may have problems breathing due to bronchospasm. The shock bit is manifest by a fast heart rate and potentially low blood pressure. This is a medical emergency and requires intramuscular adrenaline.

This article is from the free online

Emergency and Urgent Care for Children: a Survival Guide

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now