Friday, June 1, 2012

Food Allergies--Oh My!

Poor Miss Ellie had a allergic reaction to milk on Thursday. She loves Buddy Fruit, they are these organic fruit puree pouches that you drink from. I was at the store and noticed they now sell them in a 4 pack. I grabbed the Mango, and didn't think twice about it. I didn't know they made a smoothly version that contained milk. Justin had sent one with her to Kristi's for a snack. I was running a little late to pick her up, once I arrived Kristi ran out to grab me. I went inside and Ellie's face was completely red and swollen, and she was drooling. I gave her some Benadryl, waited to see if it took effect, gave more. I called her pediatrician and told them what happened, they said if she got worse or if she was struggling to breathe to use her Epi-pen and take her to the emergency room immediately. The Benadryl was starting to work, so I decided to go home. Once we arrived home, I noticed that she was developing a rash on her legs and arms. I have never seen this type of reaction with her before. I packed her up and we went to Primary Children's hospital. We were lucky that we got right in. I told them what happened, and that it was milk that was consumed. They educated me that if she is showing two or more symptoms (hives, swelling, throwing up, rash, etc) that the Epi-pen should be used. Since she can not tell me, they determined that her throat was tightening and that is why she was drooling so much. They gave her a epi shot, which almost immediately took away the rash and swelling in her face. Followed by two steroid IV's. She was such a trooper, she only shed a few tears. She was more upset when I took my phone away for the doctors to check her out. They decided to keep her overnight for observation. I didn't know, since she had consumed the milk, it would be in her system for a few days. Once the medication starts to wear off, you can have a full reaction again. This can continue for a few days after exposure. She had to sleep with a breathing monitor taped to her foot all night. For whatever reason, this really upset her. It was a rough night, but thank goodness no additional reaction and we were discharged in the morning. She is still on  a couple steroids but she is pretty much her old self. I tried to get a few photos to document the event but she wasn't having it (I don't blame her).

She was trying to find the Cheerios. Her poor hand is wrapped to keep her IV in, she was wearing these tabs on her chest to monitor her breathing, and the 3 wire contraption is to her toe for her heart rate.

Got the baggie


1 comment:

  1. Becky! She is so old! It has been WAY too long since we've seen you guys. I'm glad she's okay and that you are such a great mom. :-) Miss you guys.
    -Elise

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