RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Breast milk: friend or foe?
JF BMJ Case Reports
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP bcr0120113766
DO 10.1136/bcr.01.2011.3766
VO 2011
A1 Emma Shawkat
A1 Nawar Hussain
A1 Jenny E Myers
A1 Joanna Gillham
A1 Matthew Helbert
YR 2011
UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2011/bcr.01.2011.3766.abstract
AB Anaphylaxis can occur secondary to breastfeeding. The authors present a case of a 30-year-old woman who complained of chest tightness, shortness of breath and a rash on the third day postpartum. She was treated for anaphylaxis and her symptoms resolved. Because she had taken tramadol prior to this event, a drug reaction was initially suspected. However, she experienced further episodes related to breastfeeding, despite stopping tramadol. Effective control of her symptoms was achieved with regular antihistamines, enabling her to continue breastfeeding. Antihistamines were interrupted after 8 weeks at which point lactation (in hospital) was once again associated with anaphylaxis. The diagnosis of breastfeeding induced anaphylaxis was made. There are six previously reported cases of breastfeeding induced anaphylaxis. The authors describe the second case of breastfeeding anaphylaxis extending beyond the neonatal period, controlled with antihistamines.