Irena, I don't know if you've ever seen this-- but I've found it a very helpful tool for evaluating is-it-or-isn't-it kinds of symptoms, and for knowing what is frankly, er-- very alarming and what is not.

Anaphylaxis Grading Chart

There is more information at FoodAllergySupport's Welcome/Starter Info page

I recommend connecting both with KFA (mentioned above) and also with FAS-- one community or the other seems to resonate well with most people. (Several members here are members at one or both, too. smile )



My DD, unfortunately, has moved toward symptoms in the respiratory, cardiac, and CNS rather than cutaneous (skin) symptoms as she has gotten older.


Another thing to be VERY aware of is that diphenhydramine (benadryl) really doesn't have much impact on anaphylaxis beyond the "lite" version of things-- I don't want to scare you (or anyone else) unnecessarily, but one should generally regard anaphylaxis as a snowball rolling down a hill-- the ONLY way to stop it is before you reach some event horizon with sufficient momentum.

Please read Why antihistamines won't stop anaphylaxis
and
How epinephrine works to stop anaphylaxis for more details on that.

(Be prepared-- this is some quite heavy-duty immunology and biochemistry if life science isn't your thing.) The point is that it is WAY better to administer epinephrine EARLY-- as early as you're sure that a reaction is probable.


Schrödinger's cat walks into a bar. And doesn't.