Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian revealed how her daughter was rushed to hospital several times after anaphylaxis left her "blue and floppy". Isla Rose had a systemic shutdown in an episode Ali and husband David described as "terrifying".
Isla Rose, now two, can't consume dairy, eggs, nuts, peanuts or sesame. She has however grown out of the wheat allergy which she Ali considers a huge step forward.
Speaking to OK! magazine, Ali said: "Anaphylaxis can look different for different people. With Isla, she had a systemic shutdown and went blue and floppy. She was so tiny, it was awful."
Isla Rose is currently seeing a private allergy consultant, hoping to lessen her sensitivity to food allergies. Ali said: "Allergies are life-changing and become a lesson in managing your anxiety."
Ali gave birth to Isla during lockdown and said it was difficult not having the physical support of her friends and family around her. Recalling the first time in three months she left her house, she said: "To be honest it still feels difficult sometimes.
"Most of the time actually. I remember the first time, I hadn't been to any shops or anything and I went to Boots.
"I was, oh god, I don’t know. I just felt... just really vulnerable I guess.
"It was my little brother who was worried. I said to him, 'I genuinely can't imagine I'm ever going to let anyone hold Isla, or pass her to anybody."
