Should Toddlers Have Allergy Shots?

There has always been fear connected with allergy shots for a toddler or infant. This fear has its roots in the occasional but rare severe reaction to the allergy shot. So what are the benefits and what are alternatives
If the cause of an allergy can be detected at the outset then this of course gives the best means of defense by training the toddler to avoid contact. There are some difficulties when toddlers are outside in the open air where pollens are airborne.
With the indoor allergy causes such as molds and dust mites etc the obvious solution is to clean the house and rid the area of these causes. Yet even here there are exceptions because cleaning wont do the whole job when the smallest particle of the allergy substance will do harm to the super sensitive toddlers skin or airways. There is the further issue of insect bites and bee stings which cant always be anticipated. In such cases there needs to be planning ahead to know exactly what to do especially with any life threatening bite or sting. Added to all this is the whole matter of allergy to foods and that’s a whole other matter.
Medications for allergies are common these days and are very effective in reducing allergic reactions. Scripts containing Claritin and Singular are widely used in prescriptions these days and with the toddler must of course be administered in the correct proportions according to a doctor’s direction.
Having prescribed shots administered for a toddler are universally accepted as safe and can even have the effect of helping the young child develop immunity over time. These shots are generally most effective when given over a period of several years, which enables the Childs body to slowly develop immunity with risk.
There are two phases in the administering of allergy shots. The ‘buildup stage” where small but increasing doses of allergen are given so that the toddlers system adapts to the allergen without a reaction. These shots may be three times a week up to seven months and it has the same effect as a vaccination program
There is a time of maintenance now that follows this is to complete the immunizing process and give an close to permanent benefit. When the body has developed a high immunity to allergen then this is to be followed up with monthly shots over three years

If there are any side effects these will be minimal and can range from a mild irritation at the place of the shot to at worst colds or skin hives. There are however some rare but very serious reactions such as anaphylaxis and if this occurs which is indicated by shallow restricted breathing you need to get emergency help from doctor or hospital. If there is any history of anaphylaxis in the family or any previous testing for it then the antidote injection needle can be supplied to have on hand. The substance is simply adrenalin, which immediately relieves the symptoms
To give a toddler the allergy shots is a serious commitment and a visit to local doctor before application for some advice will be well worth your peace of mind. However to ignore the issue is to possibly leave your toddler at risk as in the case of bee stings and other insect stings, which can give strong reactions. To have a life long benefit for the toddler into his or her adult years is the benefit gained.

Child Allergies

Studies have shown that more than 1 in 5 children suffer from allergies and you child might just be one as well. It's important to understand child allergies and to be aware of the triggering factors within your child.
Allergies are designed to protect us but sometimes our immune systems might take it a little too far and over-react to certain air-borne pollutants and food. When it occurs in young children, especially babies, they can be quite miserable indeed. The symptoms can be anywhere from a simple runny nose, to itchy eyes, stomach aches, rashes and eczema.
With child allergies becoming more and more common these days, we need to learn how to deal with it as part of live. Recent statistics are showing that the number of child allergies are on the rise and "Anaphylaxis", a severe allergic reaction that occurs where the blood pressure drops and breathing becomes quite difficult is increasing as well.
While small children can be allergic to many things, food is by far the most common factor. Foods such as eggs, nuts, soy, wheat and dairy are normally responsible for allergic reaction, especially when ingested for the first time by the child.
The most common signs that your child is allergic to a certain type of food might be the break of our a rash, hives or eczema. Stomach upsets and vomiting is not uncommon either. These symptoms are considered mild and for other more serious reactions like breathing difficulties, call an ambulance right away - do not risk your child's life by thinking that the reaction might subside soon.
Usually it is quite difficult to tell if your child's reaction to a certain food will change as they grow older, but as seen in most cases, if the allergic reaction is mild it will generally remain that way. Overall, most children do outgrow these food allergies by the time they start attending school. However, there are certain allergies like nuts, that people normally never outgrow and become life-long sufferers.
Other allergens such as grass, pet hair, mold and dust mites might cause allergies in children as well. The most common symptoms are runny noses, sneezing and itchy red eyes. Child allergies can also spawn from bee stings or insect bites which can result in a mild rash to the more severe breathing difficulties. Do consult your doctor with regards to what to do should these events occur.
In conclusion, although it is not possible to actually prevent allergies in your children, you can help them by educating them on what the allergic triggers are, so that they know how to avoid allergens when possible.

Allergic Shock/Anaphylaxis

Allergic shock (anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock) is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect a number of organs at the same time. This response typically occurs when the allergen is eaten (for example, foods) or injected (for example, a bee sting). Some or all of the following symptoms may occur:
Hives or reddish discoloration of the skin
Nasal congestion
Swelling of the throat
Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
Shortness of breath, wheezing
Low blood pressure or shock
Shock refers to the insufficient circulation of blood to the body's tissues. Shock is most commonly caused by blood loss or an infection. Allergic shock is caused by dilated and "leaky" blood vessels, which result in a drop in blood pressure.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is a rare but serious condition, it is the end result of a severe allergic reaction. The reaction affects the whole body, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and narrowing of the airways.

What causes anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is caused by an extreme sensitivity to an allergen. The most common allergens which cause anaphylaxis are peanuts, tree nuts, bee/wasp stings or a drug, such as the antibiotic penicillin. For more information on food allergies click here.

It is unknown why some people get anaphylaxis and others don't, however, it usually happens to people who are known to have allergies.

How do I know if I'm at risk of anaphylaxis?

If you have previously suffered from a bad allergic reaction, then a future reaction may also be severe. If you ever experience any allergy symptoms (especially after eating nuts), no matter how mild, then this should be regarded as a possible warning sign of a more severe allergic reaction and you should seek your doctors advice. Allergic reactions are unpredictable and can vary in severity from one time to the next.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?
The symptoms of anaphylaxis normally begin within minutes of exposure or contact to the allergen and can be quite rapid, though in some situations this process can take hours. Symptoms of anaphylaxis could include any of the following:
Swelling and itching in the mouth and throat
A rash, anywhere on the body and the skin may appear flushed.
Difficulty in swallowing or speaking.
Difficulty breathing
Abdominal cramps
Nausea and vomiting.
Feeling of 'impending doom'.
A drop in blood pressure, which makes the person feel weak
Collapse and unconsciousness.
You may not necessarily experience all of the symptoms above and some people may only ever have mild symptoms, for example they may just notice a tingling or itching in the mouth. This can be treated with oral antihistamines. However, you should still seek your doctors advice because next time the reaction could be more severe.
Can anaphylaxis be diagnosed?
There are tests available to diagnose what specific allergens you are allergic to but as yet there is no perfect way of measuring an individual's potential for a severe allergic reaction. For more information on allergy tests read the section "How are allergies diagnosed?" on the allergies page.
What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?
The best treatment for anaphylaxis is avoiding the allergen to which you are allergic, especially if you have had a previous serious reaction. Please read the individual subjects on food allergies and insect bites for more tips on avoiding specific allergens.
It is important that if a person is suffering with anaphylaxis that they get immediate treatment with adrenaline (also named epinephrine) the minute a serious reaction is suspected. The adrenaline injection will raise the blood pressure, stimulate the heartbeat, relieve breathing difficulties and reduce swelling. In order for the treatment to be effective it must be administered very quickly. If you have had a previous serious reaction or your doctor suspects you are at risk of one, then you should be given a pre-loaded adrenaline injection to carry. You must ensure that you always have the adrenaline kit with you and make sure you are comfortable using the one that has been prescribed to you. If you are unsure speak to your doctor for advice or ask for a different kind.
Adrenaline treatments you could be given may include the following:
Medihaler-Epi - if the symptoms include swelling of the mouth a treatment called a Medihaler-Epi should be used. A Medihaler-Epi is an aerosol containing adrenaline, the requirement is usually 4 puffs sprayed into the mouth. This type of treatment is not suitable for widespread allergic reactions.
Epipens - the treatment of severe allergic reactions to foods has been revolutionised by the introduction of the Epipen auto-injector. This device has a spring-activated needle and is designed to deliver a single 0.3mg dose of adrenaline into your muscle when the pen is pushed into your skin.
Min-i-jets - the Min-i-jet works in the same way as the Epipen but consists of a 1ml disposable syringe and needle. The dose will need to be measured accurately, as a full syringe will deliver 1mg of adrenaline.
The majority of food allergy sufferers prefer the use of the Epipen due to the ease and the simplicity. There is no visible needle and the device has a shelf-life of 2 years compared to 9 months for the Mini-i-jet. In some cases a single dose of the Epipen may not prove enough to treat severe reactions, you should always carry two Epipens as a safety measure. If you are at risk from severe allergic reactions then you must carry medications around at all times.
If you have suffered this kind of severe allergic reaction you should still go to a hospital for observation, or call an ambulance.
Your doctor should also give you an emergency card or bracelet, which you should always carry to alert others to your allergy. You should also inform those around you at work and home of your allergy. Show them where you keep your medicine and how to use it in case of an emergency. Make sure your medicine is always in easy access and that the expiry date has not passed.
If you believe you or someone else is having this severe reaction you should first try and administer adrenaline. Don't kid yourself of the symptoms, if you think you are beginning to show the signs of a severe reaction, reach for the adrenaline injection. If there is none available then call an ambulance or if closer get to a hospital or GP's clinic as soon as you can.