Health Centre News
By Nurse Cecile
Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergic reaction as the body’s immune system responds inappropriately to the presence of an allergen. A severe allergic reaction usually occurs within 20minutes to 2 hours of exposure. Anaphylaxis affects about one person in 200.
Treatment includes first aid, an injection of adrenaline (EpiPen) and ongoing management. Always dial 000 to call an ambulance in the event of anaphylaxis.
Interesting facts and information:
- Severe allergic reactions are on the increase in Australia. One in ten Australian children aged up to 12 months now have a food allergy.
- Food banning is not recommended in school communities. Allergy awareness and risk minimisation strategies are an important way of educating children on how to reduce their risk of exposure to food which may cause a reaction. Food sharing is not allowed at school and students are asked to adhere to this.
- A letter was sent home to parents at the beginning of the year to advise parents if there is a child in the same class with an anaphylaxis alert. We ask that you do not bring foods containing the same allergen. If however, your child does bring food which may cause another child to react, we ask that they sit away from the affected child, and wash their hands immediately after eating.
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- Students with anaphylaxis have access to at least 2 EpiPens at all times whether they are onsite or offsite at school excursions or camps.
- Please check with your child’s teacher before bringing any food into school for classroom celebrations.
- Typical signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Facial swelling, including lips and eyelids
- Difficult and/or noisy breathing
- Swelling of the tongue
- Swelling/ tightness in the throat
- Wheeze or persistent cough
- Difficulty talking and / or hoarse voice
- Persistent dizziness or collapse
- Pale and floppy (in young children)
- Hives
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Vomiting
- Drop in blood pressure
Further information regarding Anaphylaxis and Allergies is available here: