TV Star's Terrifying Hospital Emergency with Five-Year-Old Daughter
Former Hollyoaks actress Ali Bastian has revealed the frightening ordeal of rushing her five-year-old daughter Isla to hospital after she experienced severe allergic symptoms that differed dramatically from typical expectations.
Unexpected Symptoms Trigger Emergency Response
The actress, best known for playing Becca Dean in the Channel 4 soap, took to Instagram to share the alarming incident that occurred after Isla consumed a burger bun containing egg. "What came to light is how important it is to understand that allergic reactions can look so different to what you might expect, or what you've seen in movies," Bastian explained in her emotional video update.
Rather than displaying conventional symptoms like respiratory distress, swelling, hives, or coughing, Isla experienced what Bastian described as a "systemic reaction" that manifested approximately fifteen minutes after eating. "She went really tired and floppy," the actress recounted. "What I had was a very limp, suddenly very exhausted, very pale, floppy child."
Emergency Protocol and Hospital Treatment
Bastian detailed her immediate response to the crisis, explaining how she quickly administered an EpiPen, called an ambulance, and then administered a second EpiPen when Isla's condition showed no improvement. The child was subsequently taken to hospital for observation and monitoring.
The actress expressed relief that Isla had returned home and was now doing "fine", but admitted the experience left her questioning whether others would recognise such subtle symptoms. "I'm so keyed into her and the subtleties of this, and I've seen these kinds of reactions before," she said. "They call it a loss of levels, where it was almost like she'd had a litre of vodka. I just had that gut feeling that she's not right."
Raising Awareness About Atypical Allergic Reactions
Bastian emphasised her hope that sharing the experience would help parents, friends, and teachers recognise similar symptoms in children. "My hope is that by sharing this, it might help a friend or a teacher know that if there's a sudden change in the child's behaviour and something is going on like that, just to join those dots and think, 'This could be an allergy, this could be a reaction,'" she explained.
The actress revealed that Isla had been diagnosed with allergies to peanuts, milk, and eggs when she was just four months old, which necessitated early weaning and careful dietary management.
Support from Followers and Medical Professionals
Bastian's Instagram post attracted immediate support from followers and medical experts. Fellow actor Ben Richards commented: "Terrifying! Great instincts Ali, so glad it worked out." Allergy specialist Dr Helen praised Bastian's handling of the situation, writing: "We had the exact same presentation in clinic this weekend. It can easily be overlooked. It sounds like you did a fantastic job."
The actress, who shares Isla and two-year-old daughter Isabella with husband David O'Mahony, has previously spoken openly about health challenges, including her own cancer diagnosis and subsequent all-clear announcement last year.
Bastian's experience highlights the importance of recognising atypical allergic reactions in children and the critical role of parental intuition in emergency medical situations.
