Frequently Asked Questions about Allergy and Anaphylaxis

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Assistance from others is crucial in these circumstances.
9. Even traces of food can cause anaphylaxis. True or False?
True. The body’s immune systems works in such a way that one protein
molecule can illicit an immune response. That’s 1/70,000 of a peanut. A very small
amount of a food allergen ‘‘hidden” in a food or a trace amount of allergen transferred to
a serving utensil has the potential to cause a severe allergic reaction. With certain foods
such as fish, the vapor or steam produced while cooking has been shown to contain
allergens which can trigger asthmatic reactions and anaphylaxis.
10. It is dangerous to give an epinephrine auto-injector (Epipen/Twinject/Allerject)
to a child with anaphylaxis if you are not entirely sure they are having an
anaphylactic reaction. True or False?
False. It is recommended that epinephrine be given at the start of a known or suspected
anaphylactic reaction. Epinephrine is the only treatment shown to stop an anaphylactic
reaction. When in doubt, give the epinephrine auto-injector!
Epinephrine is the first line medication that should be used for the emergency
management of a person having a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
In studies of individuals who have died as a result of anaphylaxis, epinephrine was
underused, not used at all, or administration was delayed.
Epinephrine is the only treatment shown to stop an anaphylactic reaction.
Common temporary side effects of epinephrine could be shakiness, increase in pulse rate,
sensation of a more forceful heart beat, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, headache, and
weakness.
Information taken from www.allergysafecommunities.ca Updated June, 2013