Address Infant and Toddler Behavior During Anaphylaxis Assessment

Abstract

The interpretation of age-appropriate infant and toddler behavior can make the assessment of potential anaphylaxis challenging. These young children are nonverbal and cannot express subjective symptoms1 or specify the cause or location of discomfort. It is important to know that changes in mental status can be secondary to cardiovascular involvement in anaphylaxis2 and range from inconsolability to hypotonia, lethargy, or loss of consciousness. Less severe allergic etiologies of behavioral change can be secondary to discomfort caused by pruritis or abdominal pain.