ANAPHYLAXIS A Severe Allergy

Arizona School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act (SB1421) Passed on September 24, 2013 What does it mean for our schools? Requires training of all staff in the Recognition of the Symptoms of ANAPHYLAXSIS and How to Provide Assistance Allows schools to stock and administer auto-injectable epinephrine and protects trained staff members from civil liability Allows training of non nurse staff members in the administration of auto-injectable epinephrine

WHAT IS AN ALLERGY? Allergies occur when the immune system becomes unusually sensitive and overreacts to common substances that are normally harmless. Examples are: Foods – peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk eggs, seafood, soy, wheat, sulphites and mustard Insect bites – bees, wasps, hornets and some ants Medications – penicillin, sulfa drugs Exercise Latex – gloves/medical devices

WHAT IS ANAPHYLAXIS? Occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen causing a severe, life- threatening allergic response Reactions occur within minutes or, more rarely, up to a few hours after exposure

SYMPTOMS of ANAPHYLAXIS Skin – hives , swelling, itching, warmth, redness, rash Respiratory (breathing) – wheezing, shortness of breath, throat tightness, cough, hoarse voice, chest pain/tightness, nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms (runny itchy nose and watery eyes, sneezing), trouble swallowing Gastrointestinal (stomach): nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea Cardiovascular (heart): pale/blue color, weak pulse, passing out, dizzy/lightheaded, shock Other: anxiety, feeling of “impending doom”, headache, uterine cramps in females, metallic taste

How a student may describe symptoms of Anaphylaxis This food is too spicy My tongue is hot (or burning) It feels like something is poking my tongue My tongue (or mouth) is tingling (or burning) My tongue (or mouth) itches It (my tongue) feels like there is hair on it My mouth feels funny There’s a frog in my throat There’s something stuck in my throat My tongue feels full (or heavy) My lips feel tight It feels like there are bugs in there (to describe itchy ears) It (my throat) feels thick It feels like a bump is on the back of my tongue (throat)

Why Are Our Students At Higher Risk? Increased independence Increased risk taking behavior ‘invincible’ Eating unsafe food, sharing food, and eating out Not carrying auto injector-( lack insurance coverage, $, understanding, etc.) The part of the brain that makes decisions is the last to mature Not telling friends, wanting to fit in or Their first exposure/ reaction occurs at school *One in 13 kids has a food allergy and 25 percent have their first reaction at school

People with a risk of risk of ANAPHYLAXIS are taught to follow the THREE A’S: Awareness Know the triggers Know the emergency plan and how to administer epinephrine via the auto-injector Avoidance Avoid contact with allergens Action Give auto-injector and call 911. Don’t delay!

What Should I Do? Be aware of students who have a risk of ANAPHYLAXIS in your classroom/school Recognize the symptoms Allow student to administer single dose auto-injector Call the Security/Nurse ***Call 911 if you cannot reach someone immediately *Epinephrine is the only way to reverse the effects of anaphylaxis. Must be given ASAP *Epinephrine may only last for 15 minutes, calling 911 is very important

How Can I Help AFTER The Student Uses Their EPI PEN And Before Help Arrives? If dizzy or faint have student lie down If nauseated or vomiting, have the student lie on their side to prevent choking If breathing is difficult the student may sit up Loosen tight clothing and cover student with blanket Don’t give the student anything to drink Do Not Leave the Student Alone!

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