"Peanut Allergy in a Baby"

It was breakfast time and the whole family was round the table, including our baby boy who at 7 months is starting to try new foods. On this occasions he had a small piece of toast with peanut butter, the same as his older brothers. Within minutes our baby boy became distressed, screaming and clawing at his face. Bumps and swelling progressed around his chin, face, lips, whilst rash spread down his body. He was obviously having an allergic reaction. We gave him some antihistamine but he was still unsettled and the rash still spreading.

We called the GP and they advised to take him to our local A&E immediately. It was a stressful journey but when we arrived at A&E we were seen immediately and the triage nurse was fantastic, so thorough and reassuring.

The Doctor examined him and confirmed he had experienced an allergic reaction to the peanuts. We were then sent to the children’s ward for observation. The staff on the ward were so kind and helpful. We had left in such a rush we didn’t have the usual food and milk we would have, so this was all provided. Cups of tea for me and the doctor took time to go through the examination findings and next steps.

Our boy now needs to carry an EpiPen and I was given training in the ward on how and when to use it. The whole experience was very stressful but the team at the BGH were fantastic and made me feel so reassured.

Cannot praise everyone highly enough. We left with all the prescription medicines we need and a referral arranged to the Allergy Clinic.