Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reactions in Children
Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reactions in Children
Outpatient assessment following allergic reactions, emergency planning and adrenaline auto-injector advice for children across Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment with adrenaline. It can be triggered by foods (most commonly peanut, tree nuts, milk, egg, fish and shellfish), insect stings, drugs or latex. In children, food allergy is the most common cause.
Dr Mugilan Anandarajan is a Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in allergy. He provides outpatient assessment following suspected allergic reactions, including review of possible triggers, investigations where indicated, and individual management planning. Appointments are available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast.
This is an outpatient service, not an emergency service. If your child is experiencing suspected anaphylaxis, use their prescribed adrenaline auto-injector immediately and call 999.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Sudden widespread hives, flushing, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, stridor (high-pitched breathing), hoarse voice — due to airway swelling
Rapid or weak pulse, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, collapse — due to circulatory shock
Sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea — often an early warning sign
Anxiety, confusion, loss of consciousness — due to reduced blood flow to the brain
Symptoms typically develop rapidly within minutes of exposure — immediate treatment with adrenaline is essential
When to Seek Specialist Assessment
- Your child has had a suspected allergic reaction and needs outpatient assessment
- Your child has had a previous anaphylactic reaction
- Your child has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen or Jext) and you want a specialist review
- You want to identify the trigger for your child's anaphylactic reaction
- Your child has a severe food allergy and you want an emergency management plan
- You need training on how and when to use an adrenaline auto-injector
- Your child's school or nursery needs an allergy action plan and emergency guidance
Allergy Testing Methods
Assessment Following an Allergic Reaction
Dr Anandarajan offers outpatient assessment following suspected allergic reactions, including review of possible triggers, investigations where indicated, and individual management planning. This is an outpatient service — if your child is experiencing a suspected reaction, use their prescribed adrenaline auto-injector immediately and call 999.
Detailed Allergy History
A thorough review of the reaction — timing, symptoms, foods eaten, medications taken — to identify the most likely trigger.
Skin Prick Testing
Tests for IgE-mediated allergy to suspected food or other triggers. Performed safely in a clinic setting with emergency equipment available.
Specific IgE Blood Testing
Measures IgE antibodies to suspected allergens. Component testing (e.g. Ara h 2 for peanut) helps predict severity of future reactions.
Management & Treatment Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Living with the risk of anaphylaxis can be frightening for children and families. Dr Anandarajan provides outpatient assessment following allergic reactions, a clear emergency management plan and the confidence to manage your child's allergy safely in everyday life.
This is an outpatient service. If your child is experiencing a suspected anaphylactic reaction, use their prescribed adrenaline auto-injector immediately and call 999.