In recent years there has been an increase in the number of children ...

Anaphylaxis – A guide for teachersIntroductionIn recent years there has been an increase in the number of children whoare sensitised to foods such as peanuts, dairy products or seafood.Inadvertent ingestion, or in extreme cases exposure by handling, cancause a severe allergic reaction. Many schools have at least one child withone of the most common food triggers, peanuts. These are mostly normalhealthy children except for their life threatening reaction to these foods.Fortunately a severe reaction is rare.What is anaphylaxis?Anaphylaxis, pronounced ana-fill-axis, is an acute, severe allergic reactionrequiring immediate medical attention. It is caused by a confusedimmune system that mistakes a benign protein for a dangerous one. Theallergen triggers cells that release histamine. The whole body is affected,usually within minutes of exposure to the allergen but sometimes afterhours.What are the symptoms?Any or all of the following symptoms may be present: Itching or a strange metallic taste in the mouth; Swelling of the throat and tongue; Difficulty in swallowing; Hives anywhere on the body; Generalised flushing of the skin; Abdominal cramps and nausea; Increased heart rate; Sudden feeling of weakness of floppiness; Difficulty in breathing due to swelling of throat/airway; Collapse and unconsciousness.The most common symptoms in the very young are acute abdominal painand vomiting. This may be followed by oral oedema and swelling of theface, generalised rash, hypotension, difficulty in breathing andanaphylaxis.ReactionsMild reactions are treated with oral antihistamine. Typical symptomsinclude itching and urticaria. The child should be observed and theirparents contacted.Moderate or severe reactions will need either inhaled or injectedadrenaline depending on the child’s protocol. A paramedic ambulanceHealth, safety, security, and contract management section 1