First Aid

What are allergies? 

An allergy is when the immune system reacts to substances (allergens) in the environment which are usually harmless (e.g. food, grass pollen, insects, pets, house dust mites, some medication and latex). 

What is anaphylaxis? 

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is potentially life-threatening. 

What causes anaphylaxis?  The most common cause of anaphylaxis in children is food allergy. Any food can cause an allergic reaction, however, 90% of reactions in Australia are caused by the common allergy causing foods. 

These are: 

• Peanut 

• Tree nuts (e.g. walnut, almond, cashews) 

• Egg 

• Milk (dairy) 

• Fish

• Crustacea (e.g. prawns, crayfish) 

• Molluscs (e.g. oysters) 

• Soy 

• Sesame 

• Wheat 

Other causes of anaphylaxis include: 

• Insect stings and bites (bees, wasps, ants, ticks)

• Some medication 

• Latex 

What are the signs and symptoms? 

Mild to moderate allergic reaction 

• Swelling of lips, face, eyes 

• Hives or welts 

• Tingling mouth 

• Abdominal pain, vomiting (these are signs of a severe allergic reaction to insects) 

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) include any one or more of the following signs: 

• Difficult/noisy breathing 

• Swelling of tongue 

• Swelling/tightness in throat 

• Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice

• Wheeze or persistent cough

• Persistent dizziness or collapse 

• Pale and floppy (young children) 

How can anaphylaxis be prevented? The key to the prevention of anaphylaxis is: 

• Knowledge of students who are at risk. 

• Awareness of known allergens. 

• Avoidance of known allergens. 

What can you do if your child is at risk of anaphylaxis? 

• Inform schoostaff of your child’s allergies and discuss how to minimise risk of an allergic reaction. 

• Work with school staff to complete an Individual Anaphylaxis Health Care/ Management Plan. 

• Provide the school with a copy of your child’s ASCIA Action Plan that has been completed by a doctor or nurse practitioner and has a current (less than one year) photograph of your child. 

• Provide the school with an adrenaline injector for your child with an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis. Check, record and remain aware of the expiry of the injector. 

• Make sure the ASCIA Action Plan is renewed at least every 12-18 months when the student is reviewed by their doctor and receives a new adrenaline injector prescription.

What can you do to help your child support a classmate who has an allergy? 

• Talk with your child about not sharing food or offering food to students with food allergy. 

• Talk with your child about washing hands after eating, if they have eaten the food a classmate is allergic to. 

• Talk with your child about the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis and the importance of getting an adult’s help if they see anyone with these symptoms.

Welcome to Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia