Ep. 99: Understanding Infant Anaphylaxis
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Kaléo for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 99:
What would you do if your baby had a severe allergic reaction?
Recognizing and treating anaphylaxis in babies can be overwhelming, but knowing the right signs and symptoms can help you decide when to use epinephrine or distinguish it from a cold. Pediatric allergist Dr. Michael Pistiner joins us to discuss how to recognize anaphylaxis in infants, when to use epinephrine, and why early food introduction matters.
Understanding food allergies in infants, anaphylaxis symptoms, and emergency treatment is essential for parents and caregivers to act quickly and confidently. This episode will give you the confidence to respond in an emergency.
What We Cover in Our Episode About Anaphylaxis in Babies:
What is anaphylaxis, and how does it present differently in infants vs. older children?
How to differentiate an allergic reaction from common childhood illnesses.
Why early allergen introduction is crucial and
How over-testing can lead to unnecessary worry.
When to use epinephrine vs. antihistamines for treating reactions.
Parental fears about epinephrine and why it’s always the safest choice in an emergency.
When to call 911 after administering epinephrine.
Why carrying two epinephrine auto-injectors is essential for managing severe reactions.
About Our Infant Anaphlyxis Expert: Dr. Michael Pistiner
Dr. Michael Pistiner is a pediatric allergist at Mass General for Children and the Director of Food Allergy Advocacy, Education, and Prevention at MGH Food Allergy Center. He specializes in food allergies, anaphylaxis management, and early allergen introduction. Passionate about empowering parents, he helps them recognize allergic reactions, use epinephrine confidently, and navigate food allergy prevention.
More resources about allergies:
More episodes about food allergies:
Key takeaways about food allergies in babies
Recognizing Anaphylaxis in Babies
Anaphylaxis can cause breathing problems, swelling, vomiting, and skin reactions like hives. But in babies, it may look different. They may seem extra fussy, refuse food, or have sudden diarrhea. Because babies cannot describe what they feel, parents and caregivers need to watch for unusual behavior after eating new foods or foods that may have been contaminated with a known allergen.
If you suspect an allergic reaction, don’t wait. Epinephrine is safe and works best when given early. Delaying treatment can make symptoms worse.
Epinephrine vs. Antihistamines
Many parents worry about giving epinephrine to their baby. But doctors say it’s the safest and best treatment for anaphylaxis. Antihistamines like Benadryl will not stop a severe reaction, instead it may slow or mask the reaction. Listen to the episode to know more about why you should avoid Benadryl.
Always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors in case symptoms return before emergency care is available.
Why Early Food Introduction Matters
Research shows that introducing common allergy foods (like peanuts, eggs, and dairy) early in life can actually help prevent allergies.
If your baby does not have eczema or a known allergy, doctors recommend starting new foods around 4-6 months old. Talk to your pediatrician about when and how to introduce foods safely.
Timestamps
Our episode unpacks anaphylaxis in babies
00:51 Introduction to Dr. Pistiner
01:46 Understanding anaphylaxis: What it is and why it happens
03:23 Early anaphylaxis vs. the term 'mild' anaphylaxis
04:23 How infant anaphylaxis differs from reactions in older children and adults
08:39 How to differentiate anaphylaxis from other childhood illnesses
11:42 When and how to introduce new foods to babies
13:06 Identifying a food allergy: Symptoms and diagnosis
15:51 The risks of over-testing babies for food allergies
17:01 The importance of early food allergen introduction
18:42 Treating anaphylaxis in babies: Epinephrine and antihistamines
23:51 When antihistamines should be used vs. epinephrine
26:46 Addressing parental concerns about giving epinephrine
27:29 When to call 911 after administering epinephrine
30:14 Why epinephrine is safe and will not harm your child
33:21 Why carrying two epinephrine auto-injectors is crucial
