What are the signs of a severe allergic reaction in pediatric patients?

When assessing for signs of a severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, it is crucial to identify critical symptoms that indicate a life-threatening situation. The correct choice highlights difficulty breathing and swelling of the face as key indicators of a severe allergic reaction.

Difficulty breathing can manifest due to the airway becoming constricted or swollen, leading to respiratory distress. This is a critical symptom that requires immediate medical attention. Swelling of the face, particularly around the mouth and eyes, also signals a potentially serious response, as it can indicate angioedema. These symptoms often arise from histamine release and other mediators in response to allergens and highlight the urgency of anaphylaxis, which can progress rapidly.

In contrast, other signs such as redness of the skin and itching, lightheadedness and dizziness, or nausea and vomiting, while they may occur in allergic reactions, do not carry the same level of urgency as breathing difficulties and facial swelling. These symptoms could denote milder reactions or different conditions. Thus, recognizing difficulty in breathing and facial swelling is essential for promptly identifying and managing severe allergic reactions in pediatric patients.