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Dec 18, 2007 10:55 am US/Central
Anaphylactic Shock: When Allergies Are Deadly
Identifying Clues Of An Attack Before It Becomes A Crisis Is Critical
MINNEAPOLIS (CBS) ―
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An epinephrine injector, or Epi-Pen, can buy time for people who have an anaphylactic reaction.
CBS
Whether it's from eating peanuts or a bee sting, up to 15 percent of people are at risk for allergies that are so severe they could kill us. During a severe allergic reaction people can go into anaphylactic shock which causes the immune systems to go haywire.
An estimated 63 percent of American homes have a pet, which includes about 45 million homes with dogs and 39 million homes with cats.
That's one big reason 8-year-old Katelyn doesn't get to see how many other people live. A few years ago when her family was visiting friends they discovered Katelyn is deathly allergic to dogs and cats.
"We took her right in and by this time she was coughing and I just thought she was just coughing. And we got to the doctor's office and she was in full anaphylactic shock. And had I not brought her in she had three minutes," said Katelyn's Mother Dori.
Three minutes left before her respiratory and circulatory systems completely shut down due to anaphylactic shock.
"You can get swelling of the airway, it's an acute reaction," said Children's Hospital pediatrician Julie Boman. She said pet dander allergies are common but they generally cause symptoms similar to hay fever.
Anaphylaxis is more likely with food allergies; severe reactions to peanut, seafood or eggs for example. It also includes severe reactions to bee stings.
The terrifying thing about severe allergic reactions leading to anaphylactic shock is that the first appearance may be a complete surprise. However, Boman said there are some clues parents can look for before they end up at the emergency room.
"But if you would see someone with repeated things, getting worse symptoms every time; maybe some difficulty breathing, I'm feeling a little bit short of breath. My tongue feels funny. Those would be the time to bring 'em right in," said Boman.
Boman said be extra vigilant with children if parents or siblings are prone to severe reactions. An allergist may recommend testing in such cases so a family can be prepared.
Katelyn's sensitivity readings are off the chart while her brother Luke's tests show no such allergy.
Now that she's been diagnosed, an epinephrine injector, or Epi-Pen, goes everywhere Katelyn goes. Epinephrine can buy time if she has another anaphylactic reaction.
That's why even her third grade teacher has been trained to use the injector just in case. However, prevention is Katelyn's best defense.
She is so sensitive to pet dander she cannot even risk sharing a locker with a child who has a dog or cat. Socially, Katelyn said, that's a bummer.
"Well, it's not that fun because you don't get to go to a lot of birthday parties and friend's houses," said Katelyn.
Plus, given the chance she'd probably be a real animal lover.
"Some dogs are really cute and you want to go pet them but you can't," she said.
Despite her severe allergies, Katelyn is doing great with straight A's and loads of good friends.
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