Know Your Allergens
Always Carry Your Child’s Medicine
If your child has a food allergy, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen). They should have one at school and with them all the time at playdates, sleepovers, after school activities, etc. EpiPens can stop a dangerous reaction called “anaphylaxis”, which can make it hard to breathe. Serious anaphylaxis reactions can result in death without swift treatment. Make sure your child’s injector is not expired and that you know how to use it. If the only EpiPen you have is expired, you can still use it if the liquid is clear and has no particles or changes in color. Using it is better than not using anything because even a weaker dose is safer than no dose during a serious reaction.2-4
How to Use an Epinephrine Auto-Injector
If someone has a severe allergic reaction, using an auto-injector quickly can save their life. There are different types of devices, so make sure you know how to use your child’s. You should teach your child how to use their EpiPen starting around 5 years old.5
- Remove the Blue safety cap.
- Hold it firmly with the Orange tip pointing down – remember “Blue to the Sky, Orange to the Thigh!”
- Push the Orange tip against the outer thigh (you can do this through clothing).
- Hold it there for 5 seconds.
- After using the injector, call 911 or go to the hospital right away. The medicine may wear off, and the person might need more help.
Speak Up About Your Child’s Allergy
Know the Signs of an Allergic Reaction
- Hives (red, raised, itchy rashes)
- Swelling (especially around the face, lips, or tongue)
- Trouble breathing
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
If these symptoms appear, use an epinephrine auto-injector and get help fast. If you’re ever unsure whether to use it, it’s safer to administer the injection than to hesitate!4
Introducing Allergens Early
Some studies show that introducing common allergens to babies before their first birthday (like nut butters and eggs) may help them avoid developing allergies. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if that is something you’re interested in learning more about.6
Stay Prepared and Stay Safe
Additional Information
For more information about how to keep your child safe from food allergies, talk to your child’s doctor or call the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program of Jackson Hospital and University of Miami Funded by the Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080 or visit www.injuryfree.org.
Citations
- “Food Allergy.” ACAAI Patient, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 28 June 2023, www.acaai.org.
- Simons FE, Gu X, Simons KJ. Outdated EpiPen and EpiPen Jr autoinjectors: past their prime? J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2000 May;105(5):1025-30. doi: 10.1067/mai.2000.106042. PMID: 10808186.
- Weir WB, Fred LY, Pike M, Rubakhin SS, Ludwig TJ, Shar AM, Zhu L, Frederick A, Uzoaru I, Wang L, Sweedler JV. Expired Epinephrine Maintains Chemical Concentration and Sterility. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2018 Jul-Aug;22(4):414-418. doi: 10.1080/10903127.2017.1402109. Epub 2018 Jan 26. PMID: 29373043.
- “Epinephrine Auto Injector | Symptoms & Treatment.” American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 1 Feb. 2018, acaai.org/allergies/management-treatment/epinephrine-auto-injector.
- “When Should Children and Adolescents Assume Responsibility for Self-Treatment of Anaphylaxis?”, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 28 Jan. 2025, www.aaaai.org.
- Fleischer DM, Chan ES, Venter C, Spergel JM, Abrams EM, Stukus D, Groetch M, Shaker M, Greenhawt M. A Consensus Approach to the Primary Prevention of Food Allergy Through Nutrition: Guidance from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; and the Canadian Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Jan;9(1):22-43.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.11.002. Epub 2020 Nov 26. PMID: 33250376.
