epipen ... do you just KNOW when to use it?

My allergist advised us if my son has a few hives on his BODY or if he ingests peanut and there are NO symptoms to give benadryl. If symptoms cont then to give epi; however, she also said any hives or swelling of FACE requires epi first then benadryl. Thankfully we've not had to use epi yet!

Ask your allergist for a Food Allergy Action Plan. I have one for my daughter and it spells out all the different symptoms and when to give benadryl, EPI and Call 911.

Yes. Food allergy action plans really do spell it out step by step. Esp. if you're going to leave her in anyone else's care.

cmvervais-

Ditto on the food allergy action plan. However, even when written out--there are times when you just don't/won't know.

I'm a huge advocate of when in doubt, administer the epipen (unless your dr. tells you otherwise).

There are some children who have delayed reactions AND some who have anaphylaxis after the benadryl wears off.

In the meantime, a good anaphylaxis grading chart to take a look at can be found here:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/111/6/S2/1601/T2

I also have a resource list on my own site:

http://www.bestallergysites.com/allergysupport/allergy-101/resources/all...

I to agree with the allergy action plan. It is harder sometimes to tell with children, especially younger children. But, I would also go with what my allergy doctor said, when it comes to children if in doubt use the epipen. Better to err on the side of caution then end up with hospitalized child and huge doctor's bill.

I am new to the Peanut Allergy thing but my doctor say any sign of a reaction then you should give the epi-pen and then get them right to the ER. Why risk it! I know that some of you are from the USA and don't have health care like we do in Canada but if you know your child is having a reaction then you should act right away. Each reaction is different and could get worse each time they are is contact with peanuts.