School Nurse's Report

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis

A food allergy is an immune system response to a normally harmless food protein that the body believes is harmful. When the individual eats food containing that protein, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals, triggering symptoms that can affect a person’s breathing, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and/or heart.

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life threatening. It must be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment and urgent medical attention.

Symptoms of food allergy may include:

Mild to moderate allergic reaction

•         Tingling of the mouth

•         Hives, welts or body redness

•         Swelling of the face, lips, eyes

•         Vomiting, abdominal pain

          (note these are signs of a severe allergic

          reaction if the person has an insect allergy)

Severe allergic reaction- Anaphylaxis

•         Difficult/noisy breathing

•         Swelling of the tongue

•         Swelling or tightness in the throat

•         Difficulty talking or hoarse voice

•         Wheeze or persistent cough

•         Persistent dizziness or collapse

•         Pale and floppy (young children)

Concord School is concerned about the safety and well-being of all our students.

Our school does its best to be an allergy aware school. Staff have been trained in severe allergy management and we have implemented strategies to help keep students at risk of anaphylaxis as safe as we can.  

We have several students at Concord School who live with the risk of anaphylaxis to foods.                                                                                

Whilst these children are being taught to care for themselves at an age appropriate level, we ask that you help us educate your child on the importance of not sharing food with others, washing hands after eating and calling out to an adult if they think their friend with allergies is sick. With increased awareness and understanding of anaphylaxis, we can all to help protect those at risk.

 As the only way to manage a food allergy is avoidance, letters have been sent home this week to parents and carers of students in the same class as a child diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis to a food product.  We ask that you refrain from sending the food/s listed in the letter to school.

Please consider the child with a potentially life threatening food allergy when packing your child’s lunch and snack and when sending in food for any occasion, including school excursions.

With your help we can provide a safe environment that meets the needs of all our students.         

Thank you for your support in this matter.

To learn more about anaphylaxis and food allergies, go to www.allergyfacts.org.au and www.allergy.org.au

"Keep well and stay safe"

Rosemary Van Aperen      

Concord School Nurse