Anaphylaxis and your child

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that occurs after exposure to an allergen. The most common allergens for school-aged children are nuts, eggs, cow’s milk, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame, latex, certain insect stings and medication.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a mild to moderate allergic reaction can include:

swelling of the lips, face and eyes
hives or welts
tingling in the mouth.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can include:

difficult/noisy breathing
swelling of tongue
difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
wheeze or persistent cough
persistent dizziness or collapse
student appears pale or floppy
abdominal pain and/or vomiting.

Symptoms usually develop within ten minutes and up to two hours after exposure to an allergen, but can appear within a few minutes.

Treatment

Adrenaline given as an injection into the muscle of the outer mid-thigh is the first aid treatment for anaphylaxis. Individuals diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis are prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector for use in an emergency. These adrenaline autoinjectors are designed so that anyone can use them in an emergency.

Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plans

All students at Red Cliffs Secondary College who are diagnosed by a medical practitioner as being at risk of suffering from an anaphylactic reaction must have an Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan. When notified of an anaphylaxis diagnosis, the principal of Red Cliffs Secondary College is responsible for developing a plan in consultation with the student’s parents/carers.

Adrenaline autoinjectors for general use

Red Cliffs Secondary College will maintain a supply of adrenaline autoinjector(s) for general use, as a back-up to those provided by parents and carers for specific students, and also for students who may suffer from a first-time reaction at school.

Staff training

The principal will ensure that the following school staff are appropriately trained in anaphylaxis management.

If your child has recently been diagnosed with anaphylaxis and requires an epipen or anapen, please contact your child's Year Level Co-ordinator to arrange for an Individual Management Plan to minimise your child's risk while at school.

Further information and resources

School Anaphylaxis Policy is available on the school website
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia: Risk minimisation strategies
ASCIA Guidelines: Schooling and childcare
Royal Children’s Hospital: Allergy and immunology

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