Understanding Infant Anaphylaxis: Severe Allergic Reactions in Babies
Welcome to our Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast on infant anaphylaxis. In this episode, we talk about anaphylaxis in babies – what it looks like, how to treat it, and when to use epinephrine.
This podcast episode is produced in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Co-hosts Payel Gupta, M., and Kortney are joined by Michael Pistiner, MD, a board-certified pediatric allergist. He serves as Director of Food Allergy Advocacy, Education and Prevention in the Food Allergy Center at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston.
Dr. Pistiner discusses how to identify anaphylaxis in infants and why epinephrine should be given right away when symptoms are identified.
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Understanding Anaphylaxis in Babies
Anaphylaxis can happen fast and affect different parts of the body, like the skin, stomach, lungs, and heart. Babies may not show the same symptoms as older children or adults, which makes it harder to recognize. It can be harder to detect because babies can’t describe what they feel.
In this episode, we cover the signs of an allergic reaction in babies, why epinephrine is the best treatment, and what to do in an emergency.
Key Takeaways About Infant Anaphylaxis
Learn how to spot a severe allergic reaction and how to protect your baby. The faster you act, the better. The biggest takeaway to remember is that epinephrine works best when given right away.
- What is anaphylaxis? A serious allergic reaction that needs quick treatment.
- Signs in babies: Learn the differences between the symptoms that adults and babies experience.
- Epinephrine is the first-line treatment: Learn why antihistamines (like Benadryl®) will not stop anaphylaxis.
- The importance of introducing foods early: New research shows early exposure can lower the risk of food allergies.
- Calling 911: When should you call 911 after giving epinephrine, and why should you have two epinephrine devices.
Understanding Infant Anaphylaxis Timestamps
00:51 – Introduction to Dr. Michael Pistiner
01:46 – What is anaphylaxis?
03:23 – What does early anaphylaxis look like?
04:23 – How is anaphylaxis in babies different from in adults
08:39 – How to tell if it’s an allergic reaction or something else
11:42 – When should babies be introduced to new foods?
13:06 – How to work with your pediatrician to find out if it is an allergy
15:51 – Why doing too many food allergy tests for babies is a problem
17:01 – Why introducing foods early can help prevent allergies
18:42 – How to treat anaphylaxis in babies
23:51 – When should you use antihistamines?
26:46 – Why parents worry about using epinephrine
27:29 – When to call 911 after giving epinephrine
30:14 – Why giving epinephrine won’t hurt your baby
33:21 – Why you need two epinephrine auto-injectors
Additional resources about allergies and anaphylaxis
- More from Dr. Pistiner about infant anaphylaxis
- What is Epinephrine
- More About Food Allergies
- More About Anaphylaxis
- Food Allergy Treatment & Management
- Living with Food Allergies Guide
- What Can You Do If You Can’t Afford Allergen-Free Foods?
- What if I Can’t Afford My Allergy Medications?
- Early Introduction Guidelines