Tragedy as British girl, 14, with peanut allergy, dies of anaphylactic shock after eating pizza and dessert with parents on holiday in Rome

A British teenager died tragically after suffering sudden anaphylactic shock after a meal at a small pizza restaurant while on holiday in Rome with her family last week.

The 14-year-old, who had a severe peanut allergy, fell ill within minutes of leaving a restaurant in the Gianicolense district of the Italian capital, a short walk from their bed and breakfast, on the evening of October 24.

By the time the family returned to their accommodation, the teenager could barely breathe.

Paramedics arrived on the scene and rushed her to San Camillo Hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Prosecutors and health inspectors are now investigating the case to determine whether restaurant operators are to blame, as they suspect the girl died of an allergic reaction caused by a “packaged dessert,” according to reports Corriere della Sera.

The tragedy occurred last Thursday during the family’s first night in Rome, just hours after their flight landed

The family maintained that their daughter was extremely vigilant about her allergy and typically informed restaurants of her dietary requirements.

The tragedy occurred last Thursday during the family’s first night in Rome, just hours after their flight landed.

They had arrived in the capital for a week-long stay, during which they planned to visit the world-famous sights, but decided to have an easy evening meal at a nearby pizza restaurant before their trip began in earnest.

The family’s meal was simple: a few slices of pizza, drinks and desserts to finish.

But as they left the restaurant and began the quick journey back to their B&B, the girl began to experience significant discomfort, and by the time they returned to the accommodation she was in the grips of anaphylaxis.

Her panicked parents called for help and alerted the B&B staff, who immediately contacted emergency services.

When paramedics arrived, the teen was unconscious and barely breathing, and by the time she arrived at San Camillo Hospital, she had already died.

Early research suggests that traces of peanuts, to which the girl was highly allergic, were present in the dessert she consumed.

According to her family, the teenager had always been vigilant about her allergies, carefully checking food labels and making sure restaurant staff were aware of her condition.

It is unclear whether restaurant staff had been informed of her allergy on this occasion.

It is also unclear whether the girl had access to an EpiPen – a device that people with severe allergies often use to treat anaphylaxis.

The incident led to a manslaughter investigation, with the prosecutor’s office and local health authority inspectors reviewing the restaurant’s allergen labeling and safety practices.

The case centers on whether peanuts or traces thereof were present in the dessert and, if so, whether the restaurant failed to take the necessary precautions after being informed of the girl’s allergy.

The family has returned to England, awaiting the results of forensic tests that will determine when her body can be brought home.

MailOnline contacted the FCDO for comment.

It is unclear whether the girl had access to an EpiPen – a device that people with severe allergies often use to treat anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis, also called anaphylactic shock, can be fatal within minutes.

It is a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger, such as an allergy.

The reaction can often be triggered by certain foods, including peanuts and shellfish.

However, some medications, bee stings, and even latex used in condoms can also cause life-threatening reactions.

According to the NHS, it occurs when the immune system overreacts to a trigger.

Symptoms include feeling light-headed or fainting; breathing difficulties – such as rapid, shallow breathing; wheezing; a fast heartbeat; clammy skin; confusion and anxiety and collapse or loss of consciousness.

It is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

An EpiPen – one of the most common treatments for anaphylaxis – injects epinephrine (adrenaline) into the body to prevent severe allergic reactions.

The epinephrine can cause relaxation of the airway muscles while reducing swelling and increasing blood pressure to restore normal breathing and circulation.